Read the comments.

To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever.

To Whom It May Concern, Count me among the many who strongly oppose the USDA's proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant qualities of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia -- and more specifically the Cohutta Wilderness, Chattooga River watershed, and the Georgia Appalachian Trail, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the areas I love. Roadless Areas buffer those local-to-me wilderness areas, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in North Georgia and the rest of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and roadbuilding and logging would irrevocably damage them if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of commenters who opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the USDA claims, but would, instead, ignore the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. The Roadless Rule is effective, popular, and needed. It is working. This is what good government can do. Please keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you, Dave Kincaid

To Whom It May Concern, I deeply oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who lives within and cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. Don't weaponize people's fear of wildfires as a tool to destroy our natural lands. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage (not that you care or listen to public comments, as evidenced by this continued assault). Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact.

Dear reader, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. I grew up in rural Northeast Georgia in a small town surrounded by public lands and dense Appalachian forests. The experiences that shaped who I am today all took place in areas that are protected under the Roadless Area Conservation Rule including the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor. My family hiked the trails near the river and took on the whitewater challenges the Chattooga River presented, teaching me grit, resilience, hard work, and how to have fun even when it's pouring rain and 40 degrees outside. I am one of tens of thousands of recreationists that visit this area each year, one tiny area protected by the rule. When I travel to areas protected by this rule, I am supporting local small town economies that rely on tourism from outdoor recreationists like myself. These forests are the backbone of a $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy that supports 5.2 million jobs. In addition, the protection of this area under the rule provides undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Beyond that, keeping wild places wild is one of the best climate change mitigation strategies we have. The forests in Southern Appalachia are powerful carbon sinks, and we need them to stay that way to slow the impacts of climate change, including from extreme weather events. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I strongly urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you for considering my statement, Avery

To Whom It May Concern, I vehemently oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and urge the USDA to protect the rare wilderness spaces that exhibit the true beauty of this continent. As a lifelong outdoorsman and lover of wild spaces, I have come to realize they are rare in the Southeast. They are places of respite and unaltered beauty that are enjoyed by ALL citizens. Not the wealthy few who own land or seek to extract the economic value of the land. I am also directly impacted financially by the potential rescinding of roadless areas. I work in the outdoor industry as a raft guide and my work directly depends on these areas being pristine. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.

I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.

To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact for this place is very near and dear to my heart and many others all over the country and it should be left as is. Thank you.

To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed that I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species, including the Northern Long-eared Bat, the Small Whorled Pogonia, and the Smooth Coneflower; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be meaningfully damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. USFS roads are already one of the biggest sources of sediment impairment in the Chattooga River watershed. Building more roads on national forest land is financially irresponsible. USFS already has an estimated The Roadless Rule serves the interests of the local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not promote “local” control, as the Department claims, but would, instead, contradict the will of the public. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. This rulemaking should conclude with the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.

To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. PLEASE. Have some humility. Thank you.

To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Please!! Thank you, Paige Burrows