Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Posted 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.
I believe I live the American Dream.
I graduated from college (Temple University) in the spring of 2007. I visited Breckenridge, Colorado a few times during my last couple of years in college. Like so many, I was drawn by the mountains and the ample recreational opportunities they provide. With eyes wide open and my mind blown by the beauty, I realized people are able to make a living in a mountain town like Breckenridge. So as soon as I graduated, I moved halfway across the country from my childhood home to Breckenridge. Upon arrival, I opened a business.
Now, and for the past 19 years, I’ve made my life and my business work within the borders of the White River National Forest. Without compare, my favorite places within the forest are the roadless areas. They provide the untouched snow I ski upon. They are home to the singletrack trails I mountain bike on. I frequent the roadless areas in the forest to be closer to nature. To understand the natural world better. To hear its quiet. I honestly could not live without it. Neither can most species.
Beyond the importance of protecting roadless areas to maintain needed habitat for wildlife and diverse ecology, people that live in mountain communities like me rely on the forest to provide the recreational opportunities that drive our economy. Towns like Breckenridge make a lot of money simply because they are beautiful places with a vastness of untouched wilderness for people to explore. We do not need roads to explore. As a matter of fact, their presence ruins the exploration more often than not.
I pray and I trust that our country will do the right thing and keep the roadless rule in place.
Sincerely,
Brian Raitman