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 comments119 submissions

Position

Opposes rescission 100.0%

Answerability

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

Substance /24

Median 9middle half 9–9 · 1 scored

Topics raised

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

Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 6, 2026FS-2025-0001-592966
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. I hiked the AT in 2014. It remains one of the most treasured times of my life. The most remote unspoiled sections allow deep connection with nature that can be described as spiritual. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 6, 2026FS-2025-0001-593232
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. We are a blessed to have had the foresight to preserve these natural places for ourselves and for generations to come. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 6, 2026FS-2025-0001-593825
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. I have been hiking the AT since 2002. I have hiked all of it except for 150 miles. I donate monthly and made a $9000 donation from my parents' foundation. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560305
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. No Need To Change Nor Undermine The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule Period. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560318
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. Please continue to help protect our forests, animals, and air from roads that hurt the natural environment, cause erosion, and enhance access to motorized vehicles in natural areas. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560327
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. The neighborhood that I live in use to be filled with Forest and farmland. Now it is ALL housing developments. PLEASE leave the national forests natural, without roads. We need a place to go to get away from the developed areas. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560347
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. As a frequent AT hiker in Pennsylvania, I most enjoy the stretches with no roads. There are already busy, noisy highways through the Gaps. Further roads would be detrimental to the general solitude of the trail. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560356
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. It is a special experience to walk a trail where the only sound you hear is the birds or the breeze in the trees. The only reason to build roads is for development which ruins this experience. Please preserve these roadless areas for our children. Thank you, Kent Weymouth I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560380
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. As someone who has hiked over half of the A.T. and has spent countless days and nights hiking and camping in roadless areas around the country over the past 50+ years, I can attest to sacred beauty of these places. These are national treasures that should remain roadless and protected as natural areas for current and future generations to enjoy. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560383
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. I live in Western North Carolina near the Pisgah National Forest. There are currently roadless areas with the Pisgah National Forest near me, and I want them to remain roadless for the very reasons expressed in this letter. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560486
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. I am an Appalachian Trail thru hiker, class of the year 2000. Walking the trail was like going to church for me, and rescinding the roadless areas would be tantamount to putting a road down the middle of my sanctuary. Do you go to church? How would you like a road through the middle of yours? I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560663
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. My appreciation for the wilderness has grown since my AT thru-hike in 2022. We must keep the "wild" in wilderness. Let's maintain the roads we have, and NOT build more roads in and near parklands. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560668
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. I spend a lot of my free time in the forest and derive a great amount of pleasure from being outdoors. I also volunteer with the Outdoor Club of Virginia Tech in maintaining the Appalachian Trail in my area. Allowing roads and other development on previously protected lands would only harm the lands and the experiences of it's users. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560706
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. "Over my lifetime I have hiked 1/2 of the AT, on the CDT, on the PCT, and on the NCST. I continue hiking BLM, National Wilderness and forests, etc. I know first hand that it is NOT necessary or in our country's best interest to rescind or modify the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule!" ~Becky Peveler I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560771
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. I love these trails . They have a quiet serenity. It is wonderful to see wilderness and it's inhabitants. Once this environment is disrupted, it would difficult to bring it back . Please keep it in its natural state and preserve its natural beauty. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560822
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. As an outdoor devotee, I seek to get away from roads and civilization. The way the founding legislators envision them. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560836
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. I use the trail to take a break from the everyday stressors life today. Traffic, noise, and the general anxiety of things. Nature has a way of healing the soul. Without the serene and humbling forests, and its beneficial wildlife: we will disconnect from what has proved so beneficial. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560891
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. We don't need more development, we need to protect our environment, nature, EARTH. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-561045
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. Please leave the AT alone. People need this space. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA3 weakSubstance 9/24Owed an answerOct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-561225
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 119 submissions in its group.
Dear Secretary Rollins, I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to maintain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject its proposed rescission. Since 2001, The Roadless Rule has provided consistent land management for our national forests and nearly 50% of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) contained within them. The A.T.'s southern terminus at Springer Mountain begins in an area protected by the Roadless Rule, and approximately 201 miles of the Trail (9% of its length) pass through "inventoried roadless areas." The Roadless Rule helps protect the scenic, natural, and remote qualities that make the A.T. a nationally treasured resource and one of the most visited public land units in the nation The Forest Service's own analysis recognizes that rescission could increase road construction and result in habitat fragmentation, impacts to water resources, increased noise, visible infrastructure, and reduced opportunities for quiet and remote recreation. Changes to these landscapes can affect the A.T. experience even when the Trail's thin corridor itself remains intact. Rescinding the Roadless Rule could also add to an already substantial Forest Service road-maintenance burden. The National Forest System already contains hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, many of which require significant resources to maintain. We should take care of the roads we have before creating additional long-term obligations through new road construction in currently roadless areas. For the A.T., additional roads can also fragment the landscape surrounding the Trail and introduce noise, development, and other impacts that diminish the experience of hiking and visiting the Trail. I hiked the Trail in 2023 and problems arose commonly in easy access places. Ie, where people to easily drive to. Keep the Trail a trail and not a convenient party spot. I urge the USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and ensure that any changes to roadless-area management fully account for impacts to the Appalachian Trail, recreation, water resources, wildlife habitat, and the Forest Service's long-term ability to manage its transportation system.
Full analysis of this comment →

Sharing & methodology

These results are meant to be shared.

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

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

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

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

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

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