Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 5/24Posted September 13, 2026 On Regulations.gov
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 eliminatedThe agency says it considered and eliminated the alternative the comment proposes, with a reason. Cannot be defeated from the comment text alone.
Already addressedThe 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 decisionThe agency says the point belongs to a later, site-specific decision. Cannot be defeated from the comment text alone.
Misreads the proposalThe agency says the comment misunderstands what is proposed. Defeated when the comment engages the proposal or a named place directly.
Not requiredThe agency says the analysis the comment asks for is not required. Cannot be defeated from the comment text alone.
Preference notedThe 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 shownThe agency says the comment asserts a harm without showing how the action causes it. Defeated when the comment shows the mechanism.
Outside the scopeThe agency says the comment asks about a different action. Defeated when the comment is specific and tied to this proposal.
Certified not substantiveThe agency certifies the comment raises nothing substantive. Defeated when the comment alleges illegality, which is substantive by the definition the certification runs on.
Dear Mr. Schultz:
I am a life long adventurer in exploring our nations lands and waterways. I've been exploring all over the USA and there are still many places I have yet to explore. I'm very concerned that the direction of climate change will prevent me from exploring some new places where I currently live.
“Of the 537 wildlife species of conservation concern in the contiguous United States, 308 species (57%) have at least some suitable habitat in one or more inventoried roadless areas. Despite their geographic and elevational clustering and predominance of a single biome type, IRAs provide a larger proportion of suitable habitat for multiple wildlife SCCs than non-IRA lands. If all IRAs were added to the protected-area system, there would be a substantial decrease (−38) in the number of wildlife SCCs that are currently considered 'poorly represented' in protected areas. — UNKNOWN, 2021 · Global Ecology and Conservation (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01943)”
“Of the nation's species currently listed as threatened, endangered, or proposed for listing under the ESA, approximately 25% of animal species and 15% of plant species are likely to have habitat within inventoried roadless areas (IRAs) on National Forest System lands. Inventoried roadless areas function as biological strongholds and refuges for many species. — USDA Forest Service, Six Rivers National Forest, Gasquet Ranger District, Dece (https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/norcal/Documents/SRNFEIS.pdf)”
“Opportunities for solitude and primitive non-motorized experiences would be negatively impacted by the noise and disturbance of vehicles. Motorized trails change the character of these otherwise undisturbed landscapes. Noise pollution and visual impacts to landscapes are a concern for those who value quiet recreation, solitude, and viewing undisturbed landscapes. The creation of any additional motorized recreation is believed to be a threat to the recreational experiences and aesthetic values observed by visitors who enjoy quiet recreation. — USDA Forest Service, Six Rivers National Forest, Gasquet Ranger District, Dece (https://www.nfwf.org/sites/default/files/norcal/Documents/SRNFEIS.pdf)”
“wildfires are almost twice as likely to occur in roaded areas as in roadless areas, because roadless areas are generally located further away from communities and are harder to access — U.S. Senate, 2025 (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2042/text)”
Craggy Gardens is an incredible place that challenges all my senses and physical abilities. Part of the Pisghah Forest it is an area that I would love to explore further. But the constant change in the climate makes it difficult to go there. Hurricane Helene did so much damage to our forest there, that it still is not cleared.
I remember the first time I explore Craggy Gardens and did this incredible hike through the woods that challenged my ability to hike over these big bolders. The water flowing through added to the mystic of the forest. Listening to birds I have never heard before. Trying to see if I could spot any salamanders or other reptiles in the area.
Do not remove the protections of the forest and the wildlife by removing the roadless rule. It would be a disservice to any and all who have not experienced this area.
I'm a member of the public with a stake in these lands, and my stake is in keeping them roadless.
With gratitude,
CommentID: RLC-20260912-UXKYBK