“To the U.S. Forest Service: I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to rescind, weaken, or…”

To the U.S. Forest Service: I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to rescind, weaken, or roll back the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. I rely upon the natural benefits of our wild, roadless spaces, particularly two inventoried roadless areas in the Nantahala National Forest: Wesser Bald (4,061 acres) and Cheoah Bald (7,795 acres). I chose the unspoiled wilderness of Western North Carolina for my home. The tourists that visit these wild, roadless spaces (and supply our county with jobs and revenue) travel here because the forests are pristine and the scenery is iconic. Our county's quality of life, property value, and tourism all depend upon the integrity and protection of our inventoried roadless areas. Many endangered and protected species live in our forests, streams and rivers: wildlife that relies upon humans to make decisions that ensure the healthy forest ecosystems needed for food, shelter, and breeding. I personally depend on these unfragmented forests and watersheds for clean drinking water. In addition, I paddle the rivers and lakes, and I value the wildlife habitats in our old growth forests, streams and rivers. I urge the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to abandon the proposed rescission and instead maintain full protections for all currently designated inventoried roadless areas. Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment.