Comment Analysis · Docket FS-2025-0001

FS-2025-0001-373793

Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Posted 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 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

  • Recreation Tourism Public Use
    • “welcome destination for families for swimming, backpacking and camping”
    • “popular day hike to Cutthroat Pass”
    • “provide opportunities for hiking, camping, backpacking”
    • “recreational opportunities these areas provide”
  • Environmental Protection Biodiversity
    • “preserve the ecological integrity”
    • “wildlife habitat”
    • “ecosystems can be permanently changed or completely lost”
    • “preserve the roadless area protections”
  • Water Quality Quantity
    • “clean water”
    • “home to the mighty Methow River”
    • “preserve the ecological integrity, scenic character, wildlife habitat, clean water”

What it names

National Forests
Wenatchee National Forest
Roadless areas
Liberty BellNorse Peak

The comment

I am asking that we preserve the roadless area protections for the Norse Peak IRA and Liberty Bell IRA. Norse Peak Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA)—Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: Next to Mount Ranier National Park, Sheep Lake is a picturesque alpine lake and a welcome destination for families for swimming, backpacking and camping. The hike to the lake is a gentle, 1.8-mile climb past summer wildflowers and red huckleberry plants in the fall, with great views of the Rainier fork of the American River, Mount Rainier, and Naches Peak. Liberty Bell Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA)—Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: Some 30 miles of the PCT from Rainy Pass to Harts Pass, including the popular day hike to Cutthroat Pass, are within this large IRA. Situated in the heart of the North Cascades, this area is home to the mighty Methow River, many alpine passes, and some of the highest elevation stretches of the PCT in Washington These areas are valuable public lands that provide opportunities for hiking, camping, backpacking, wildlife life viewing and experiencing Washington’s remarkable natural landscapes. Protecting these areas ensure the same opportunities for future generations. Maintaining roadless protections will help preserve the ecological integrity, scenic character, wildlife habitat, clean water, and recreational opportunities these areas provide. Once roads and associated development are introduced into these landscapes, the character and ecosystems can be permanently changed or completely lost for future generations.

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