“Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, I'm writing asking you not to repeal the 2001 Roadless Area…”

Dear Special Areas: Roadless Area Conservation, I'm writing asking you not to repeal the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. For more than two decades, this important policy has safeguarded 58 million acres of irreplaceable habitat for wildlife like elk and cold-water fish species, guaranteed fresh water to tens-of-millions of Americans, and protected Indigenous areas that provide subsistence hunting and gathering of food.The richness of our nation's ecosystems are a critical part of our national heritage and the Forest Service has a responsibility to ensure that future generations will enjoy the iconic species of our nation's forests and grasslands. Nearly 450 threatened and endangered species depend on roadless areas for their survival. In addition, our national forest system provides drinking water to nearly 90% of the people served by public water systems in the West and provides the water to farmers in California and Arizona who grow 90% of the winter vegetables consumed in the United States. Roads increase sediment and runoff that destroy watersheds. The Roadless Rule also supports areas that are important for Indigenous ceremonies and food gathering. Tribal treaty rights must be centered and upheld in any revision of the 2001 Roadless Rule. In short, there is simply no reason for a repeal of this important conservation policy.Sincerely, j k Sincerely, Ms. j k