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 comments13 submissions
Position
  • Opposes rescission 100.0%
Answerability
  • A1 strong 0
  • A2 moderate 0
  • A3 weak 0
  • A0 none 1
Substance /24
Median 3middle half 3–3 · 1 scored
Topics raised
Count
Position
Answerability
Substance /24
Order
13 submissions in this letter's group · showing 1–13Clear all filters
  1. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 2/24Sep 14, 2026FS-2025-0001-381986
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you,Christopher A. AndrewsChristopherNew Hampshire
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  2. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 2/24Sep 14, 2026FS-2025-0001-383376
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has provided an essential layer of protection for approximately 58.5 million-acres of National Forest System lands, or about a third of all lands managed by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service). “Inventoried Roadless Areas” (IRAs) protected by the Roadless Rule represent many of the wildest, healthiest, and most intact landscapes in the United States (https://www.pfpi.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Roadless-Rule-Rescision-Threatens-Preprint-Mildrexler-et-al.-2026.pdf). In New England, the Roadless Rule protects 260,000 acres, or approximately one-fifth of the White and Green Mountain National Forests, combined. Equally important, the Roadless Rule safeguards clean drinking water, protects against floods and droughts, and supports the region's native biodiversity, including imperiled species like the Northern Long-eared Bat, brook trout, Canada lynx, Bicknell's Thrush, and American marten, among many others. And I need to mention the popularity of these areas for hiking, camping and enjoying the outdoors. If these areas are cut, the safety and beauty will be compromised.Importantly, the Roadless Rule is also among our best tools for addressing wildfire. Most fires are started by people, and a recent study found that fires are four times more likely to start near roads (https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2). Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you.RebeccaNew Hampshire
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  3. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 8, 2026FS-2025-0001-336122
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.The places I hold dearest to provide wild experiences are contained in the Roadless areas of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Please do everything possible to enact Roadless Conservation legislation. Thank you for your help with this. Kathleen Bigford KathleenNew Hampshire
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  4. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 2/24Sep 7, 2026FS-2025-0001-322522
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place exactly as it is. Like millions of Americans who have spoken out since 2001, I support the Roadless Rule and value our country's public lands and waters, including 44.7 million acres of undeveloped forests. The Roadless Rule safeguards clean drinking water for millions of Americans, provides vital habitat for threatened species and sustains old-growth and mature forests that serve as critical carbon sinks. It also protects access to popular climbing, fishing, hiking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking and paddling sites. Rural recreational economies benefit from the low impact tourism these attract. Importantly, the Roadless Rule is also among our best tools for addressing wildfire. Most fires are started by people, and a recent study found that fires are four times more likely to start near roads (https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2). Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you.MichaelVermont
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  5. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 8/24Sep 7, 2026FS-2025-0001-324243
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action. As a civil engineer who spent my entire career in the environmental field the reasons below highlight why I am opposed to this proposal.For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has provided an essential layer of protection for approximately 58.5 million-acres of National Forest System lands, or about a third of all lands managed by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service). Over 1.5 million Americans submitted comments in support of the Roadless Rule when it was developed, a record for public participation in federal rulemaking that still holds to this day.In New England, the Roadless Rule protects 260,000 acres, or approximately one-fifth of the White and Green Mountain National Forests, combined. Iconic landscapes protected by the Rule include places like New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch, Mt Moosilauke, Mt Chocorua, and the Presidential Range, as well as Vermont’s White Rocks. The famous Long Trail and Appalachian Trail traverse numerous Inventoried Roadless Areas protected by the Roadless Rule. Equally important, the Roadless Rule safeguards clean drinking water, protects against floods and droughts, and supports the region's native biodiversity, including imperiled species like the Northern Long-eared Bat, brook trout, Canada lynx, Bicknell's Thrush, and American marten, among many others.Only 3.3% of New England is protected from timber harvest and road construction, but scientists say we must protect at least 10% of the region for the benefit of biodiversity, carbon storage, and the wellbeing of our communities. Recognizing the exceptional value of Inventoried Roadless Areas (totaling just 2% of the lower-48 states), as well as the Forest Service’s unsustainable multi-billion dollar road maintenance backlog, the agency promulgated the Roadless Rule as “a down payment on the well-being of future generations,” in the words of former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck, who oversaw the Rule’s development.A recent study found that in New England, the Roadless Rule helps to protect drinking water for 8.8% of Vermont residents and 7.3% of New Hampshire residents (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000538). Additionally, 7% of Massachusetts residents get their water from sources that originate in Inventoried Roadless Areas in the White Mountain National Forest.Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you.MichaelMassachusetts
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  6. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 2/24Sep 7, 2026FS-2025-0001-325596
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.Humans are the ultimate invasive species.Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action. I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you.TomMaine
    Full analysis of this comment →
  7. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 7, 2026FS-2025-0001-332275
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.This is my BACK YARD you're chopping up to sell and develop. Stay away from my property.Over 1.5 million Americans submitted comments in support of the Roadless Rule when it was developed, a record for public participation in federal rulemaking that still holds to this day.In New England, the Roadless Rule protects 260,000 acres, or approximately one-fifth of the White and Green Mountain National Forests, combined. Equally important, the Roadless Rule safeguards clean drinking water, protects against floods and droughts, and supports the region's native biodiversity.Only 3.3% of New England is protected from timber harvest and road construction, but scientists say we must protect at least 10% of the region for the benefit of biodiversity, carbon storage, and the wellbeing of our communities. Rescinding the Roadless Rule would set our region back in time, making New England's conservation goals even harder to achieve.Recognizing the exceptional value of Inventoried Roadless Areas (totaling just 2% of the lower-48 states), as well as the Forest Service’s unsustainable multi-billion dollar road maintenance backlog, the agency promulgated the Roadless Rule as “a down payment on the well-being of future generations,” in the words of former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck, who oversaw the Rule’s development.A recent study found that in New England, the Roadless Rule helps to protect drinking water for 8.8% of Vermont residents and 7.3% of New Hampshire residents (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000538). Additionally, 7% of Massachusetts residents get their water from sources that originate in Inventoried Roadless Areas in the White Mountain National Forest.Importantly, the Roadless Rule is also among our best tools for addressing wildfire. Most fires are started by people, and a recent study found that fires are four times more likely to start near roads (https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2). Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you.WilliamNew Hampshire
    Full analysis of this comment →
  8. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-313438
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.To me as an Appalachian Trail hiker, the forests of Northern New England are critical to my values and sense of place. To harm what Nature has given us would be without excuse or rationale or justification and a permanent loss to humanity and the rest of nature.For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has provided an essential layer of protection for approximately 58.5 million-acres of National Forest System lands, or about a third of all lands managed by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service). “Inventoried Roadless Areas” (IRAs) protected by the Roadless Rule represent many of the wildest, healthiest, and most intact landscapes in the United States (https://www.pfpi.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Roadless-Rule-Rescision-Threatens-Preprint-Mildrexler-et-al.-2026.pdf). Over 1.5 million Americans submitted comments in support of the Roadless Rule when it was developed, a record for public participation in federal rule-making that still holds to this day.In New England, the Roadless Rule protects 260,000 acres, or approximately one-fifth of the White and Green Mountain National Forests. Treasured landscapes protected by the Rule include Franconia Notch, Mt Moosilauke, Mt Chocorua, and the Presidential Range, as well as Vermont’s White Rocks. The famous Long Trail and Appalachian Trail traverse numerous Inventoried Roadless Areas that are protected by the Rule. The Rule also safeguards drinking water, protects against floods and droughts, and supports the region's biodiversity, including imperiled species such as the Northern Long-eared Bat, brook trout, Canada lynx, Bicknell's Thrush, and American marten, among many others.Only 3.3% of New England is protected from timber harvest and road construction, yet scientists say we must protect at least 10% of the region for biodiversity, carbon storage, and the well-being of communities. Inventoried Roadless Areas (which total a mere 2% of the lower 48 states) are recognized and protected by the Rule, and there is already an unsustainable backlog in forest road maintenance. As for Mew England's drinking water, the Roadless Rule helps to protect water for 8.8% of Vermont residents and 7.3% of New Hampshire residents (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000538). Additionally, 7% of Massachusetts residents get their water ultimately from the White Mountain National Forest.The Roadless Rule is also among our best tools for addressing wildfire. Most are started by people and fires are four times more likely to start near roads (https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2). The Roadless Rule also protects culturally-important sites and subsistence use areas. These spaces are critical to food security for many indigenous communities. They sustain cultural and spiritual practices such as hunting, fishing, and gathering forest plants for food, medicine, and traditional arts.Please select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I call on my members of Congress to cosponsor the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you for your anticipated cooperation in this urgent matter.GeorgeConnecticut
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  9. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 2, 2026FS-2025-0001-303208
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.Short and simple, please drop the plan. We need the trees and forests. Those in Bermont a d New Hampshire are so great to seeThanx!ArnoArnoConnecticut
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  10. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-294782
    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 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.As a hunter and outdoorsman, these lands are beyond value to me as they are as intact ecosystems, and will only be degraded for short term profit if roads are allowed to be built in these areas. DO NOT RESCIND THE ROADLESS RULE. These roadless areas are a main part of what makes Montana, and the rest of the country's forested areas great.For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has provided an essential layer of protection for approximately 58.5 million-acres of National Forest System lands, or about a third of all lands managed by the USDA Forest Service (Forest Service). “Inventoried Roadless Areas” (IRAs) protected by the Roadless Rule represent many of the wildest, healthiest, and most intact landscapes in the United States (https://www.pfpi.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Roadless-Rule-Rescision-Threatens-Preprint-Mildrexler-et-al.-2026.pdf). Over 1.5 million Americans submitted comments in support of the Roadless Rule when it was developed, a record for public participation in federal rulemaking that still holds to this day.Recognizing the exceptional value of Inventoried Roadless Areas (totaling just 2% of the lower-48 states), as well as the Forest Service’s unsustainable multi-billion dollar road maintenance backlog, the agency promulgated the Roadless Rule as “a down payment on the well-being of future generations,” in the words of former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck, who oversaw the Rule’s development.Importantly, the Roadless Rule is also among our best tools for addressing wildfire. Most fires are started by people, and a recent study found that fires are four times more likely to start near roads (https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2). Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you.MARKMontana
    Full analysis of this comment →
  11. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-297110
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.In New England, the region of my childhood and the region where the majority of my extended family lives, the Roadless Rule approximately one-fifth of the White and Green Mountain National Forests, combined. Iconic landscapes protected by the Rule include places like New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch, Mt Moosilauke, Mt Chocorua, and the Presidential Range, as well as Vermont’s White Rocks. The famous Long Trail and Appalachian Trail traverse numerous Inventoried Roadless Areas protected by the Roadless Rule. Equally important, the Roadless Rule safeguards clean drinking water, protects against floods and droughts, and supports the region's native biodiversity, including imperiled species like the Northern Long-eared Bat, brook trout, Canada lynx, Bicknell's Thrush, and American marten, among many others.Only 3.3% of New England is protected from timber harvest and road construction, but scientists say we must protect at least 10% of the region for the benefit of biodiversity, carbon storage, and the wellbeing of our communities. Rescinding the Roadless Rule would set our region back in time, making New England's conservation goals even harder to achieve.Recognizing the exceptional value of Inventoried Roadless Areas (totaling just 2% of the lower-48 states), as well as the Forest Service’s unsustainable multi-billion dollar road maintenance backlog, the agency promulgated the Roadless Rule as “a down payment on the well-being of future generations,” in the words of former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck, who oversaw the Rule’s development.A recent study found that in New England, the Roadless Rule helps to protect drinking water for 8.8% of Vermont residents and 7.3% of New Hampshire residents (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pwat.0000538). Additionally, 7% of Massachusetts residents get their water from sources that originate in Inventoried Roadless Areas in the White Mountain National Forest.Importantly, the Roadless Rule is also among our best tools for addressing wildfire. Most fires are started by people, and a recent study found that fires are four times more likely to start near roads (https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2). The Roadless Rule also protects culturally-important sites and subsistence use areas. These spaces are critical to food security for many indigenous communities as well as for sustaining cultural and spiritual practices, including hunting, fishing, and gathering forest plants for food, medicine, and traditional arts.Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you.ChristineNew York
    Full analysis of this comment →
  12. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Sep 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-297481
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.I’ve been hiking in the White Mountain National Forest for 60 years and I don’t want this area spoiled for my children. There is no benefit for anyone to change the current rules. Only 3.3% of New England is protected from timber harvest and road construction, but scientists say we must protect at least 10% of the region for the benefit of biodiversity, carbon storage, and the wellbeing of our communities. Rescinding the Roadless Rule would set our region back in time, making New England's conservation goals even harder to achieve.KennethMassachusetts
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  13. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-299105
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 13 submissions in its group.

    Acting Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USDA Forest Service Joshua White,Dear Joshua White, USDA Forest Service Acting Director of Ecosystem Management Coordination, and Members of Congress:I'm respectfully writing to oppose the US Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). Please drop this plan or select Alternative 1, No Action.I live in New Hampshire, and I just spent this past summer hiking and camping in the Whites, driving along route 2 through NH and Maine. In New England, the Roadless Rule protects 260,000 acres, or approximately one-fifth of the White and Green Mountain National Forests, combined. As you know, iconic landscapes protected by the Rule include places like New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch, Mt Moosilauke, Mt Chocorua, and the Presidential Range, as well as Vermont’s White Rocks. It was remarkable to see the vistas this summer that are protected by the Roadless Rule. PLEASE select the "No Action" plan. So much is crumbling before our eyes under this administration, and it's got to STOP!Equally important, the Roadless Rule safeguards clean drinking water, protects against floods and droughts, and supports the region's native biodiversity. Plus, with only 3.3% of New England protected from timber harvest and road construction, it's not enough. Scientists say we must protect at least 10% of the region for the benefit of biodiversity, carbon storage, and the wellbeing of our communities. Rescinding the Roadless Rule would set our region back in time, making New England's conservation goals even harder to achieve.The Roadless Rule also protects culturally-important sites and subsistence use areas. These spaces are critical to food security for many indigenous communities as well as for sustaining cultural and spiritual practices, including hunting, fishing, and gathering forest plants for food, medicine, and traditional arts. We can't afford to give it away. Our kids deserve better. Please drop this plan to rescind the Roadless Rule or select Alternative 1, No Action.Finally, I am calling on my members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, H.R.3930 and S.2042, to codify the Roadless Rule in statute.Thank you.Kate FlahertyKateNew Hampshire
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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.

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