“Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s two…”

Wildlands and roadless areas are a core part of Washington’s identity and economy. Washington State’s two million acres of roadless areas provide robust recreation and tourism, protect clean water, protect endangered salmon, reduce wildfire risk, protect wildlife habitat, provide carbon storage, and protect subsistence and cultural values. Expanding roadbuilding and access to these areas will degrade values that Washington communities rely on and increase the likelihood of uncharacteristic wildfire—the vast majority of which is sparked by human ignitions in proximity to roads. I strongly oppose the proposed rule, and any other measures to repeal or weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The ecological and financial costs of repealing the rule are substantial. We need roadless rule protections to be maintained for communities of today and the next generation. Roadbuilding and logging will destroy recreation areas, harm fisheries, threaten drinking water sources, degrade wildlife habitat, increase risk of wildfire, exacerbate climate change, harm cultural resources, and hinder the exercise of Tribal sovereignty.