The Public Record · Docket FS-2025-0001

Read the comments.

Every public comment on the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule, sorted by what it talks about. Pick a topic, then narrow by position, by how hard the comment is for the agency to set aside, or by how substantive it is. Each comment is shown in full, as filed. How comments are classified and scored is explained in the Comment Analysis.

1 unique comments52 submissions

Position

Opposes rescission 100.0%

Answerability

A1 strong 0
A2 moderate 0
A3 weak 0
A0 none 1

Substance /24

Median 5middle half 5–5 · 1 scored

Topics raised

52 submissions in this letter's group · showing 1–20Clear all filters

Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 29, 2026FS-2025-0001-513082
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty. The proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule must be abandoned.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 29, 2026FS-2025-0001-513884
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
I am an a outdoor enthusiast and resident of Clallam County and I believe the Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 28, 2026FS-2025-0001-485153
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s two million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase the likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Some of the worst forest fires have been massively destructive to homes and forest areas in these past five years. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 24, 2026FS-2025-0001-480595
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
the roadless rule protects habitats and wildlife for generations to come. as development increases there is less and less space for wildlife to flourish. Habitats are becoming fractionated and the sounds from local industry and impact the wildlife natural abilities. this can also impact species and areas sacred to Native people's. Please reconsider repealing this rule that preserves the few wild areas we have left. Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s two million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase the likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 24, 2026FS-2025-0001-481050
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s two million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase the likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty. Enough is enough. Stop the destruction NOW@
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 12, 2026FS-2025-0001-360439
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
I support the following statements: Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding road building and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Road building and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 9, 2026FS-2025-0001-338867
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy, along with those of other western states. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation and not put at 4 times their current risk is with the added risk of wildfire roads always bring. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 9, 2026FS-2025-0001-341051
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Do Not weaken the Roadless Rule. I retired here for the scenic beauty and I do not want to see it degraded. Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 8, 2026FS-2025-0001-338232
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
I have lived in Washington State my entire life. The beauty of the safe and preserved wild lands and forests are a legacy of thoughtful people. That legacy needs to be preserved for future generatios of Americans, not sold off to corporates. Damage to wilderness cannot be undone. Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 7, 2026FS-2025-0001-319315
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty. Ella O'Connell Washington Resident
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 31, 2026FS-2025-0001-287988
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. We cannot simply "road away" all our remaining fraction of wild spaces in our states. Roads fuel and accelerate all the other destructive sequences of gradual ecological destruction that have happened to 90% of our lands. We then spend mountains of taxes on flood control, fire control, erosion control, drought adaptation, water retention. We also find that development spreads hungrily to anywhere it seems possible and a huge footprint of development follows with its further spreading land degradation and extraction. Some land must be exempt from this cycle that ultimately erases all natural conditions around us via crowding and extraction. Ultimately roadbuilding and logging destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 31, 2026FS-2025-0001-288135
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
I am an American and I strongly oppose all measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are unacceptable. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generations. Roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that American communities rely on. Road building will increase the likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty. Please do everything in your power to protect our forests and people! Don’t weaken the Roadless rule!
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 31, 2026FS-2025-0001-288725
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Washington Conservation Action provided me with these polite words regarding the heinous idea of road building in the wilderness: Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s two million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase the likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty. My personal words for you are, your grandchildren will know what you've done, and will despise you, no matter how much blood money you leave them.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 28, 2026FS-2025-0001-279234
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington State's identity and economy, providing recreation and tourism, protecting clean water and endangered salmon, reducing wildfire risk, protecting wildlife habitat, providing carbon storage. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase the risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule would be substantial for our state. Thank you.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 27, 2026FS-2025-0001-274239
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. I am an avid backpacker and have many times had wonderful experiences in Washington's wilderness areas. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities and I rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 27, 2026FS-2025-0001-275051
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy and America’s identity and economy. Washington State’s two million acres of roadless areas provide lucrative recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase the likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty. Americans from all walks of life share in the pride of having some of our natural beauty and resources preserved for this and future generations to enjoy. If we lose the wilderness, we lose America.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 27, 2026FS-2025-0001-277089
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty. Thank you
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 26, 2026FS-2025-0001-270787
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.. No good can come of roadbuilding.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 26, 2026FS-2025-0001-270835
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding road building and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Road building and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Aug 26, 2026FS-2025-0001-271013
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
I am writing to you because this issue is very important to me personally. Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s 2 million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.
Full analysis of this comment →

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Please cite us. This analysis is the intellectual property of Roadless.org and Nicholas Holshouser. You are welcome to reproduce it — every reproduction must include this citation:

Roadless.org and Nicholas Holshouser, “2001 Roadless Rule Revision — Substantive Analysis,” https://roadless.org.

How it works. A large language model (an open-weight Qwen3.8 model) reads each substantive comment and copies, word for word, the passages that carry its analytical gap, evidence, request, alternative and connection to the place; it returns no scores. Code grades those passages 0–3 on eight dimensions — evidence, legal grounding, engagement with the environmental analysis, analytical gaps, alternatives, specific requests, position, and local knowledge — with legal grounding taken from a citation scan, not the model. For the strongest tenth on each side, the copied passages are checked against the comment and shown as exhibits. A comment counts as “substantive” when it clears a floor filter — it must show at least one substantive signal (a named entity, a specific citation, a stated analytical deficiency, or first-person testimony), which screens out one-line and purely conclusory submissions before any model scoring.

The full method. Every step, why it is done that way, its known limits and a glossary: Methodologies →

The data. The full canonical dataset — every comment on Docket FS-2025-0001 — is available from Regulations.gov: https://www.regulations.gov/bulkdownload.

Roadless.org — analysis of the public comment docket.
Media inquiries welcome — nicholas@wanderingnature.com.