The Public Record · Docket FS-2025-0001

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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 comments20 submissions

Position

Opposes rescission 100.0%

Answerability

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

Substance /24

Median 4middle half 4–4 · 1 scored

Topics raised

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

Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 23, 2026FS-2025-0001-471629
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Thank you for the opportunity to comment about the proposed rollback of the Roadless Rules Act. I strongly oppose this proposal for so many reasons! More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. This proposal is short-sighted and motivated by greed, a core principle of the Trump Administration. Wilderness areas belong to all of us and just be protected!
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 23, 2026FS-2025-0001-471780
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We need to provide habitat for more than people; a world without wildlife would be so much poorer. Roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, live in roadless areas in California. More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. his leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.” Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-463700
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I am AGAINST the Roadless Rule rollback! For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.” Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-463754
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Dear All, More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. Let that sink in. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. • The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. • For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. • Over half the suitable habitat for the relictual slender salamander, a critically imperiled species native to the Sierra Mountains of California, occurs in a roadless area. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California. • Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. • The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.” • Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-463965
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More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. Let that sink in. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Over half the suitable habitat for the relictual slender salamander, a critically imperiled species native to the Sierra Mountains of California, occurs in a roadless area. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California. Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-464283
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 20 submissions in its group.
More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. Let that sink in. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. • The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. • For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. • Over half the suitable habitat for the relictual slender salamander, a critically imperiled species native to the Sierra Mountains of California, occurs in a roadless area. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California. • Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. • The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price. IT IS APPALLING THAT THIS ADMINISTRATION IS DESTROYING ALL OUR NATURAL RESOURCES FOR ITS UNENDING GREED AND INDIFFERENCE. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE CARETAKERS NOT EXPLOIT OUR GIFTS FOR PROFIT! DO NOT ALLOW THIS ATROCITY!!
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-464294
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The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. The 2001 Roadless Rule should remain in effect without changes to the terms and conditions upon which it was issued. Eliminating it or changing it is reckless.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-465369
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I oppose the rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule. Roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would negatively affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-466046
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I oppose the rollback of the Roadless Rule for the following reasons: More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. Let that sink in. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Over half the suitable habitat for the relictual slender salamander, a critically imperiled species native to the Sierra Mountains of California, occurs in a roadless area. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California. Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.” Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-466172
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I am writing regarding the roadless rule rollback. For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please keep the roadless rule intact. Thank you.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-466573
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 20 submissions in its group.
More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. Let that sink in. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. • For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. • The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price. • Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Republicans claim to be Christians but Do Not follow Christian values. All Wildlife & Marine Life are God's creatures! As Christians you should doing everything in your power to Protect All Wildlife in this Country rather than destroying their habitat while polluting rivers causing more devastation for wildlife. Please Do Not Allow the Roadless Rule to be rolled back. Fossil fuel that has already destroyed too much land & rivers in this Country & contributes to Climate Change as the catastrophic weather we're seeing this year that will get worse each year as the Planet warms!
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-468804
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More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. Let that sink in. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Over half the suitable habitat for the relictual slender salamander, a critically imperiled species native to the Sierra Mountains of California, occurs in a roadless area. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California. Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.”
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-469707
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PLEASE DO NOT ROLLBACK THE ROADLESS RULE! For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Americans greatly cherish our precious and threatened wildlife and biological diversity is essential for the health of our country. Roadless areas also safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-469761
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For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 12, 2026FS-2025-0001-342469
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I am commenting on the proposed Roadless Rule rollback. The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. • For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. • The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.” • Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. We need to protect wilderness areas for future generations of US citizens. This rollback is shortsighted and sacrifices these areas so that a few industries can prosper at the expense of the rest of America. I am completely disgusted by the current Administration and its total disregard for public land and wildlife!
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 12, 2026FS-2025-0001-352048
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This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. It would also harm more than 300 other protected species that live in roadless areas but don’t have designated safeguards for their habitat. We have enjoyed visiting the Pisgah national forest in North Carolina for years and to protect it this proposal must not be allowed to pass.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 9, 2026FS-2025-0001-339045
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In the, latest, attack on habitat, and, wildlife, under the Trump Administration, the "U.S. Department of Agriculture" announced that it is proposing a, complete, rollback of the "2001 Roadless Rule", which, currently, blocks, road, construction, and, by extension, most, logging, and, mining, activity, on tens of millions of acres of, public, forest, land! Your, reckless, proposal threatens wildlife, humans, and, the environment we need to live! Our family OPPOSES this assault on, essential, wild, places! WHY THE "ROADLESS RULE" MATTERS: • More than 4.2 million miles of, public, roads crisscross the, lower, 48 states — enough to reach the moon, and, back, almost, nine, times, according to an article published, recently, in the "Conversation" by two, Montana University, professors. This leaves, only, about 5% of the U.S. as a, roadless, area, or, wilderness. • The "2001 Roadless Rule" was issued in January, 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain, forest, health, and, productivity, for, future, generations. It applies to over 58 million acres, across the country, excluding Idaho, and Colorado, which have their, own, state-specific, roadless, rules. • For, some, species, roadless, areas protect, critical, core, habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of, critical, habitat for, endangered, species, and, pose a, catastrophic, threat to, 88, federally, protected, animals, and, plants, across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and, native, fish. • Over half the, suitable, habitat for the relictual slender salamander, a, critically, imperiled, species native to the Sierra Mountains of California, occurs in a, roadless, area. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an, imperiled, subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also, live in, roadless, areas in California. • Research shows that, every, formal, roadless, area provides habitat for, at least, two, wildlife, species of, conservation, concern — those facing risks to their, long-term, survival — with the, median, roadless, area supporting 10 of these, imperiled, species. Some, Arizona, roadless, areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. • The, non-profit, "American Rivers" warned rolling back the, roadless, rule is a move, if finalized, would be the, largest, loss of protections for rivers on, federal, lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the "Roadless Rule" has protected millions of acres of, National Forest, lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s, most, critical, drinking, water, sources. “Rolling back these, public, land, protections gambles with our, public, drinking, water, supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of, river, protection for "American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong, and, healthy, nation without, healthy, rivers. And, healthy, rivers begin in, healthy, landscapes. When we fragment forests, with, more, roads, we increase, wildfire, risk, degrade, water, quality, and, all, pay the price.” • Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers, and, streams, protecting fish, and, wildlife, habitat, and, helping ensure, clean, drinking, water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and, Bozeman.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 3, 2026FS-2025-0001-307702
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 20 submissions in its group.
WHY THE ROADLESS RULE MATTERS • More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. Let that sink in. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. • The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. • For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. • Over half the suitable habitat for the relictual slender salamander, a critically imperiled species native to the Sierra Mountains of California, occurs in a roadless area. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California. • Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. • The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.” • Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman.
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 2, 2026FS-2025-0001-305233
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.This comment stands for all 20 submissions in its group.
Dear All, WHY THE ROADLESS RULE MATTERS TO ME • More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states — enough to reach the moon and back almost nine times, according to an article published recently in the Conversation by two Montana University professors. Let that sink in. This leaves only about 5% of the U.S. as a roadless area or wilderness. • The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. • For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. • Over half the suitable habitat for the relictual slender salamander, a critically imperiled species native to the Sierra Mountains of California, occurs in a roadless area. Nearly 40% of Mount Pinos lodgepole chipmunk, an imperiled subspecies of the lodgepole chipmunk, also live in roadless areas in California. • Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. • The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.” • Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 2, 2026FS-2025-0001-305992
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 20 submissions in its group.
This reckless proposal threatens wildlife, humans the environment we need to live! The 2001 Roadless Rule was issued in January 2001 by President Bill Clinton to maintain forest health and productivity for future generations. It applies to over 58 million acres across the country, excluding Idaho and Colorado, which have their own state-specific roadless rules. For some species, roadless areas protect critical core habitat. This move would affect more than 7 million acres of critical habitat for endangered species and pose a catastrophic threat to 88 federally protected animals and plants across the country, including grizzly bears, Canada lynx, wolverines, spotted owls, and native fish. Research shows that every formal roadless area provides habitat for at least two wildlife species of conservation concern — those facing risks to their long-term survival — with the median roadless area supporting 10 of these imperiled species. Some Arizona roadless areas contain habitat for up to 62 of these species. The non-profit American Rivers warned rolling back the roadless rule is a move, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources. “Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.” Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman! Will Trump & the GOP Respect the Roadless Rule to keep Americans & Wildlife Lives Protected?!
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Sharing & methodology

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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's bulk download, the canonical source: https://www.regulations.gov/bulkdownload. Download the CSV directly (Regulations.gov keeps this link working until October 18, 2026): https://bulk-downloads.regulations.gov/mv4-z8fw-q5jx.csv.

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