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 comments39 submissions

Position

Opposes rescission 100.0%

Answerability

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

Substance /24

Median 3middle half 3–3 · 1 scored

Topics raised

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

Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-553257
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Pinellas County in the state of Florida. We have four living born and raised native Floridians and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, we went to the Ocala National Forest every year to hunt and camp. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-536735
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Marion County] in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. We moved here for the peacefulness and natural beauty of the area. We have utilized the forests and lakes for hiking, fishing and hunting in the respectful way as it is intended. We work hard to maintain the wildness of the area and spread awareness to newcomers. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-536931
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Palm Beach county in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. I visited Ocala national forest as a child and now bring my kids. We need to preserve what is left of natural Florida for the many threatened species that call the forest home. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-537158
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Palm Beach County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Florida is special because of its wild spaces. Developing in these areas and continuing to destroy natural Florida for profit is going to lead to a barren wasteland stained with greed that people will no longer want to call home. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-537297
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of SANTA ROSA COUNTY in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. We need to protect nature, we have one planet … we all dont see progress the same way… I want to see less building of homes and businesses and more keeping land natural and green … I love the beauty of our state, I love hiking… but places need to remain wild … we need more undisturbed wild space … we need to keep some places roadless …. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-537391
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Alachua County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Florida is growing rapidly and we are losing natural areas at an alarming rate. These areas protect our water, wildlife and help mitigatate the effects of climate change. In addition, the Apalachicola, Osceola and Ocala national forests are the places my family and friends go to recreate and spend time in nature. In an ever urbanizing state, they are what's left of wild Florida. Please don't take these roadless areas away from us. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-538852
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Broward County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. We need our wild habitats preserved as they are without the intrusion of more roads and timber felling. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full. Linda Balzan Coral Springs, FL
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-539301
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Wakulla County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. NW Florida is one of the few areas in Florida that has been able to preserve some of the natural environment and provide a home for wildlife and native plants. This change would negatively impact one of the few remaining areas of undeveloped land that provides natural shorelines to mitigate storm damage. This change reflects a significant change in values that is not supported by the majority of citizens and voters, although it might be in the interest of a few developers. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544166
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Citrus County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Our national forests are home to many incredible species that must be protected. Please do everything you can to allow our forests to thrive instead of fall into peril. The fewer laws we have protecting them, the more likely it is that our state suffers with our natural resources, and this will affect not only our great outdoors but the people that live in Florida. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544304
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Martin County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows through these irreplaceable ecosytems. These natural areas are part of our community that we Floridians respect for not only their natural beauty but for their utilization as recreational outlets, supplier of game animals, and innumerable ecosystems services. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544306
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Palm Beach County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full. I have personally hiked across the majority of Ocala national forest via narrow footpath, and do not want any more roads to disturb the wildlife or wild places that is already under strain. I want a quiet place to walk through, away from as many roads as possible.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544349
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of PALM BEACH COUNTY, in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Florida parks, trails, forest including Apalachicola, Osceola, and Ocala national forests are s&oelig;ur of the reason why tourists visit and we all love living here. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544457
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Polk in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. I have camped, hiked and bicycles in the Apalachicola, Osceola, and Ocala national forests. I beg you to not allow any further construction or clearing for roads in these wonderful forests. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544485
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Volusia County the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full. Safeguarding our natural resources is one of your organizations primary functions. I believe that allowing roads in these protected areas will adversely impact these natural areas that play a significant role in the recharging of the Florida aquifers.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544577
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Orange County in the state of Florida, and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. My scout troop often camps in the Ocala National Forest, and I would like to see it preserved for future generations of scouts. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544858
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of [ Polk COUNTY] in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Once roads are allowed there is no turning back and many precious animals and pristine land will be destroyed! Please keep Florida roadless areas as they are!!! Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544864
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Hillsborough County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. Florida is incredibly blessed to have multiple locations worthy of being National Forests. We have a wide array of wildlife and plant life, many which aren't found anywhere else in the world. It deserves to be as protected as we possibly can. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544883
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
As a Certified Wildlife Biologist and resident of Leon Co in the state of Florida, I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. While timber management is important to our forests, I urge you to limit the use of paved roads in national forests. This is an unnecessary cost and could increase access to remote areas potentially increasing the risk of dumping, wildfires, and invasive species spread. The decision to remove this protection is at odds with any intention that this may benefit national forests. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-544942
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Flagler County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. I've traveled through these forests and do NOT want them opened up to roads and the development/timber harvesting that follows. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full. Give Floridians and their wild animals a break, please!
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-545258
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 39 submissions in its group.
I am a resident of Volusia County in the state of Florida and I respectfully urge you to withdraw this proposal and retain the Roadless Rule's national protections. Florida’s three National Forests are home to hundreds of endangered and threatened species and provide a substantial part of Florida's outdoor recreation economy, which depends on the undeveloped character of these forests and on the clean water that flows from them. My husband and I enjoy that there are at least some protections for the animals here. Unfortunately, the urban sprawl isn't being properly controlled. Florida suffers for it. Once it's gone, we never get it back. Society can't "fix" the unintentional damage. Opening currently roadless areas to new road construction and timber harvesting would cause substantial harm to both the people and wildlife that utilize them. I respectfully ask the USDA to withdraw the proposed rule and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule's national protections in full.
Full analysis of this comment →

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

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

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

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

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

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