“Dear U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, I’m writing to urge you to choose Alternative 1 and keep the 2001…”

Dear U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, I’m writing to urge you to choose Alternative 1 and keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. For 25 years, the rule has safeguarded nearly 45 million acres of backcountry across U.S. national forests. These roadless areas provide numerous benefits to the American public, from clean air and water to vital wildlife habitat and diverse recreation opportunities — all while still allowing responsible forest management. Rescinding or altering this rule puts these lands at risk by opening the door to logging, oil-and-gas drilling, and other development. It will also fragment habitat, introduce invasive species, increase wildfire risk, and bring noise and light pollution. At a minimum, I insist that you extend this comment period to at least 90 days and hold hearings across the U.S. in all areas affected, so the public can fully weigh in. This proposal does not have my support. I urge you to choose no-action and uphold the Roadless Rule. I have participated in volunteer programs in over 10 National Forests and have first-hand knowledge of the serenity of these protected areas. Allowing roads into these areas will disrupt the ecosystem, leave scars on those areas that can not be erased for decades!! I have viewed from the air areas in Alaska where roads have permanently changed the ecosystem as compared to roadless areas nearby! Sincerely, Noreen rossa Tucson, AZ 85713 nr7336@gmail.com