Comment Analysis · Docket FS-2025-0001

FS-2025-0001-274444

Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 7/24Posted August 27, 2026 On Regulations.gov

Exact copy — Byte-identical to another submission. This comment stands for 2 submissions in its group.

In short: The comment documents the specific location of the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area and its five named roadless areas (Oak Knob, Gum Run, Skidmore Fork, Little River, and Ramseys Draft Addition) totaling 70,000 acres, asserting the commenter's 25-year effort to secure permanent protection for these areas to preserve clean water, outdoor recreation, and wildlife habitat.

Scored directly — The comment's whole text was scored on its own.

Scorecard

Each dimension is scored 0–3; the eight sum to the substance score out of 24.

  • Specific placeNames a specific location — from a region down to an exact creek, trail, road, or map reference.
  • Local knowledgeDraws on a first-hand connection to the place — visits, sustained activity, occupation, or a professional role.
  • EA analysisEngages the agency's environmental analysis directly.
  • Analytical gapIdentifies something the analysis fails to address.
  • EvidenceBacks claims with specific facts, data, or research.
  • RequestMakes a specific, actionable request of the agency.
  • AlternativeProposes a different course of action.
  • LegalCites statutes, regulations, or legal obligations.

How hard it is to set aside

A0 none: Counted, not answered.

Still open to the agency

  • Alternative already eliminated The agency says it considered and eliminated the alternative the comment proposes, with a reason. Cannot be defeated from the comment text alone.
  • Already addressed The agency says its analysis already covers the point. Defeated when the comment cites the law itself: there is no analysis to cite against a statutory claim.
  • Deferred to a later decision The agency says the point belongs to a later, site-specific decision. Cannot be defeated from the comment text alone.
  • Misreads the proposal The agency says the comment misunderstands what is proposed. Defeated when the comment engages the proposal or a named place directly.
  • Not required The agency says the analysis the comment asks for is not required. Cannot be defeated from the comment text alone.
  • Preference noted The agency notes the comment as a statement of preference and takes no action on it. Cannot be defeated from the comment text alone.
  • No cause and effect shown The agency says the comment asserts a harm without showing how the action causes it. Defeated when the comment shows the mechanism.
  • Outside the scope The agency says the comment asks about a different action. Defeated when the comment is specific and tied to this proposal.
  • Certified not substantive The agency certifies the comment raises nothing substantive. Defeated when the comment alleges illegality, which is substantive by the definition the certification runs on.

Topics

What it names

Roadless areas
Gum RunLittle RiverOak KnobRamseys Draft Addition

The comment

Shaded passages are the ones the analysis quoted as evidence for a dimension: Legal

Please do not rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Our National Forests are treasures for all Americans, and not assets for developers. The proposed Shenandaoh Mountain National Scenic Area, now before the Senate Agriculture Committee, has 5 roadless areas totally 70,000 acres: Oak Knob, Gum Run, Skidmore Fork, Little River, and Ramseys Draft Addition. Together these comprise the largest concentration of roadless areas in the eastern US. We have been working for 25 years to gain permanent protection for the SMNSA for three primary benefits: clean water, outdoor recreation and wildlife habitat. Please protect our natural and cultural resources.

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