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 comments14 submissions

Position

Opposes rescission 100.0%

Answerability

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

Substance /24

Median 4middle half 4–4 · 1 scored

Topics raised

14 submissions in this letter's group · showing 1–14Clear all filters

Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560301
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. I do not live in these areas but I have been concerned about our wanton destruction of the water cycle in the US for a long time. At a time when the government is more indebted than ever it is absolute folly to organize for a situation which will majorly deteriorate public health by reducing clean drinking water! Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Dorothea Leicher 1174 Snedekerville Rd Columbia Crossroads, PA 16914 dleicher@dleicher.com Sincerely, Ms. Dorothea Leicher
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-560837
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans. Furthermore, it is impossible to make the proclamation that the recreation opportunities will be improved by this rule, when many folks who recreate in these areas are doing it for the solitude and remoteness. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Please do your part to preserve the wild, unspoiled places in our country for my children and their children. Thank you, Tim Sincerely, Timothy Auer 2904 Sevyson Court Palo Alto, CA 94303 auer19@gmail.com Sincerely, Timothy Auer
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-561483
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Rachel DeFauw 7381 114th Avenue, Ste 403B PMB 1030 Largo, FL 33773 rdefauw@yahoo.com Sincerely, Ms. Rachel DeFauw
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-562851
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Ted Fishman 790 VIlla Teresa Way 790 Villa Teresa Way san jose, CA 95123-2639 ted10000@hotmail.com Sincerely, Ted Fishman
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-563133
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. We have to SAVE OUR National Forests, Waterways, Public Lands and The Endangered Species Act, which protect and save our amazingly beautiful landscapes from poisoning and destruction and Wildlife from senseless harassment and killing from people who care about nothing except their own pocketbook. Harm to Habitat IS Harm to all Fauna and Flora, as well as all Humankind! I urge you to oppose any action that sells out wild animals and wild places. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Tracey Bonner 1707 Castle Rd Arlington, TX 76014 tlb8@yahoo.com Sincerely, Ms. Tracey Bonner
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-564914
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. I live in California's Motherlode of the Sierra Nevada. Millions of dollars are being spent so that we have safe egress to and from Highway 49. The last thing we want is to have careless off road vehicles tearing up our forests and starting wildfires. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Suzy Forwood , CA 95949 suzyforwood@gmail.com Sincerely, Suzy Forwood
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-565346
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. We do not own this land. We are just caretakers for our children and the next generation. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Ron Drees 14219 Wickersham Ln. Houston, TX 77077 rondrees@sbcglobal.net Sincerely, Mr. Ron Drees
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-565819
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Do your job-protect our beloved offroads areas in National parks.Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Thank you for your time and consideration Sincerely, Linda Mintun 2711 E Hartson Ave Spokane, WA 99202 ljmintun123@gmail.com Sincerely, Ms. Linda Mintun
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-565913
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. These areas are where I take my family to enjoy nature and decompress from the daily grind of making this world a better place. Please don't take that away. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Justin Bolender 8313 Springfield Rd. Soddy-Daisy, TN 37419 jlboles@gmail.com Sincerely, Justin Bolender
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-566393
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Josh Helzner 311 east 61st street unit 18 New York City, NY 10065 helzner84@gmail.com Sincerely, Josh Helzner
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-566898
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. As a resident of Atlanta who cherishes our country's wildlife. I implore that the roadless rule be protected from commercial operations. Sincerely, JT Hydrick 1400 Mall of Georgia Blvd Apt 1213 Buford, GA 30519 jthydrick@gmail.com Sincerely, JT Hydrick
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-569949
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. These places have immense value to American Citizens, and it is our right to enjoy them unimpaired. Do the right thing. Sincerely, Campbell Houston 361 red tail trail Evergreen, CO 80439 campbell80439@gmail.com Sincerely, Campbell Houston
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-570044
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. This is unacceptable and an assault on our joint heritage and freedoms. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. Sincerely, Alex Nelson 204 NW 130th Street Seattle, WA 98177 aon.illustration@gmail.com Sincerely, Alex Nelson
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Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-551756
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Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.This comment stands for all 14 submissions in its group.
Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, Dear In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, I ask you to resist making this change. This is a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history. Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation's most critical drinking water sources. Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman. Please reconsider this action, and keep the Roadless Rule as it is: a significant protection for rivers, clean water, and wildlife across the country. I believe it is extremely shortsighted to repeal the rule in its en Sincerely, Gregory Isaacs 1205 Thorne Street Syracuse, NE 68446 zekintha25@gmail.com Sincerely, Gregory Isaacs
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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's bulk download, the canonical source: https://www.regulations.gov/bulkdownload. Download the CSV directly (Regulations.gov keeps this link working until October 18, 2026): https://bulk-downloads.regulations.gov/mv4-z8fw-q5jx.csv.

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