Read the comments.

Stop the extraction of our public lands! When every stream is poisoned and every farm barren, you cannot eat money. I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Sincerely, Yiwen Tang CA

We have a responsibility to our posterity to preserve as much of earth, our home and theirs, and resist the impulse to gratify our immediate urges to selfishly profit at their expense. Had our recent ancestors been conservation minded we'd still be graced with carrier pigeons and dodos (and who wouldn't want a pet dodo?). We kept the spotted owl from a similar fate, and it would aggrieve our posterity if we hastened further degradation of their world. Therefore,I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Sincerely, Dennis Dyke OR

I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. I am saddened by the thought of taking away natural areas that we can never get back. It's a shame to sell off . Current and future generations will feel this loss and look at us with shame for selling off a large piece of what makes America unique and beautiful. It would ruin the homes of countless animals and disrupt the ecosystem at a time when it so badly needs to be protected. It would also be a big loss personally. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Sincerely, Emily Norquist NY

Hard to overstate the importance of roadless areas in this great country. The sanctity of lands held in public trust must not continue to be attacked and eroded by short sighted measures that will bankrupt so much of what this nation on the whole benefits from. I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Sincerely, Jivan Lee NM

I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. This wise, effective, very successful, and prudent rule has been in place since the 1990s so we have decades of evidence to prove how harmful it would be if the Roadless Rule were to be terminated. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Sincerely, Andrew Swanson OR

I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. This is beyond irresponsible. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. Over 90% of all wildfires ignite within a half mile of a road. Not to mention the invasive species that like to grow along roads. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Sincerely, Ms. Nicole Martel WA

I grew up in east Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains, before going to Oregon for college for four years and discovering even more of America's beautiful wild lands. I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Please protect the true America for everyone. Sincerely, Madeline Griffey TN

I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. America is great because of our beautiful outdoor public lands. These roadless lands are valuable for the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. I am a mother with two children. As a family, we love to go hiking in the beautiful Oregon forests. My kids love to spot different types of birds and animals. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species. My kids deserve to have these wild places intact when they grow up. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. My kids deserve to be safe from fires and not to breathe even more smoky air. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. Do what's right for our future and chose the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Sincerely, Karen Jacobson OR

I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Please protect our wildlands so generations to come may appreciate and enjoy our beautiful forests. They deserve your thoughtful protection. Sincerely, Melody Reid OR

I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This is the greatest sign of greed and short sightedness. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. This IS what Americans want! 90% want lands left alone! They are ours. Yours, mine, and our childrens’. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Please. Sincerely, Dr. Jennifer Krause NC

Take a moment out of your busy schedule and drive out to a wilderness area near your home. Stand there and listen, look and feel what beauty and miracles God graced this earth. If you enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking or any sort of outdoor activity, voting to protect our wilderness is imperative. Once this is repealed, we will never be able to get it back. I strongly oppose the USDA’s proposal to eliminate, weaken, or alter the Roadless Rule. This reckless action would devastate our public lands, waste taxpayer resources, and undermine the clean water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities that millions of Americans depend on. The agency should take Alternative 1, the No Action alternative, and leave current roadless protections in place. The economics of these attacks on the Roadless Rule do not add up. Building new logging roads in remote backcountry areas is extraordinarily expensive, leaving taxpayers with billions of dollars in long-term maintenance costs for roads that are rarely, if ever, used. At the same time, logging roadless forests degrades essential services that our economy already relies on. National Forests supply drinking water to millions of people, support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation industry, preserve sacred sites and traditional foods, and provide irreplaceable wildlife habitat and carbon storage. Sacrificing these values for short-term logging profits is not sound policy. It is a net loss for communities, economies, and future generations. Beyond the economic folly, the environmental consequences are severe. Roadless forests represent some of the most intact, resilient ecosystems left in our country. They filter and store clean water, provide refuge for vulnerable species, and serve as critical carbon sinks in the fight against climate change. Once roads and clearcuts fragment these landscapes, the damage is permanent. More roads in the backcountry also mean more fires: research shows wildfires are four times more likely to ignite near roads. Fighting those fires in remote areas is dangerous, costly, and diverts resources from protecting communities. Roads also spread invasive species, fragment wildlife habitat, and erode the very ecological resilience we need in the face of a warming climate. The Roadless Rule already includes exceptions for emergencies such as wildfire, and rescinding the Roadless Rule for the stated purpose is unnecessary and dangerous. Equally troubling is the USDA’s decision to pursue this rollback through an abridged and inadequate public comment process. The original Roadless Rule was created after the most extensive public engagement process in the history of federal rulemaking, with over 95% of commenters supporting strong protections. During last fall’s comment period on the Notice of Intent, over 600,000 Americans submitted public comments, with over 99% of comments opposing the proposed rescission of the rule. Now, the agency is attempting to dismantle these protections through a rushed process that limits and ignores input from citizens, scientists, Tribes, and local communities. This is undemocratic and deeply irresponsible for decisions of such sweeping consequence. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has been a cornerstone of sound forest management, balancing ecological, economic, and cultural values. Weakening or repealing it would be a grave mistake. Both Alternatives 2 and 3 will have severe consequences for wildlife, biodiversity, clean water sources, climate resilience, cultural resources, local economies, outdoor recreation, and the health of our nation's wildest forests. I urge the USDA to abandon this misguided effort and instead strengthen its commitment to protecting America’s roadless forests. I hope the agency will take the No Action alternative and maintain full Roadless Rule protections for America's wild forests. Sincerely, Michelle Wolf WA