Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 1/24Posted September 15, 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.
“new roads will not provide an efficient nor an effective firebreak”
“controlled burns to manage and protect rare forest”
“experts have documented”
The comment
As a US citizen, a landscape architect who specialized in environmental planning for more than 30 years, including controlled burns to manage and protect rare forest and plant communities, I strongly oppose the proposed plan to build new roads on federal forested lands to allow timber harvesting. Not only will this adversely impact Forest Interior Dwelling species, but the new roads will not provide an efficient nor an effective firebreak as experts have documented. Apart from the impacts to plant and animal species, there is the threat of harm to all Americans in the oxygen produced by these forests and the climate buffer to excessive warming and extreme weather swings that we are just beginning to experience. I strongly urge the Forest Service to abandon this proposed plan for the health and well being of all species in America and the world.
Sincerely,
Colin A. MacLachlan
10357 Whitewasher Way
Columbia, MD 21044