“To Whom It Concerns, I am writing to express my opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)…”

To Whom It Concerns, I am writing to express my opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (36 CFR part 294, Subpart B). Personal Connection to These Lands As an outdoor enthusiast, I frequently recreate in our national forests. I deeply cherish the time I spend backpacking in Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs). These pristine spaces comprise less than 2% of the total U.S. land base, offering increasingly rare opportunities for primitive recreation, true solitude, and peace away from a hectic world. Experiencing these undisturbed landscapes provides me with a deep spiritual connection. Protecting this small fraction of our public lands from destructive road building, commercial logging, and industrial development is a modest but vital ask to ensure future generations can experience the same wild heritage. Why I Oppose the Rescission I have reviewed the agency’s purpose and need for this action, and I believe that eliminating these nationwide protections is a dangerous step backward for the following reasons: -Destruction of Clean Water and Wildlife Habitats: IRAs encompass the headwaters of countless rivers and streams, acting as natural filtration systems that provide clean drinking water to millions of Americans. Building roads and clear-cutting these areas will cause severe erosion and ruin water quality. It will also fragment vital wildlife corridors, destroying the intact habitats that native fish, birds, and game depend on for survival. -The Fallacy of “Active Management” and Increased Fire Risks: The proposal claims that eliminating the rule is necessary to allow for “active management” and wildfire mitigation. However, these remote backcountry areas are far removed from the communities that actually need protection. Furthermore, introducing heavy machinery and building new logging roads breaks up the forest canopy, dries out forest fuels, and introduces invasive weeds, ultimately increasing wildfire ignition risks. -Ignoring Former Forest Service Professionals: I am deeply concerned that the current administration is ignoring the expert consensus of former federal government experts and retired U.S. Forest Service professionals who previously managed these lands. These agency veterans have publicly stated that the proposal is structurally and operationally flawed, proving that a consistent, national shield is required to keep these forests healthy. -Fiscal and Economic Irresponsibility: The Forest Service currently faces a multi-billion-dollar deferred maintenance backlog on its existing road system. Allowing new road construction creates massive long-term financial liabilities for American taxpayers. Additionally, turning these wild places into industrial logging zones harms the sustainable, multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation economy that supports adjacent rural communities. Proposed Alternative: Keep the 2001 Rule Intact If the agency’s true goal is to address localized wildfire risks and public safety, complete rescission is an unnecessary and destructive overreach. The reasonable and effective Alternative is to maintain the 2001 Roadless Rule in its entirety. The existing 2001 framework already contains narrow, built-in exceptions that permit targeted timber removal and road construction in documented emergencies to protect public safety and critical infrastructure. Utilizing these existing safety exceptions achieves localized safety goals without opening millions of acres of rare wildlands to permanent ecological harm. Conclusion Nature does a fine job of managing itself in these few remaining roadless areas. I urge the USDA and the Forest Service to reject short-term resource extraction interests and uphold your agency’s core mission to sustain the long-term health and diversity of our forests. Please think about the important legacy you will leave for future generations and keep the 2001 Roadless Rule fully intact. Thank you for your review and consideration of my public testimony.