“government already has a massive backlog of projects”
“helps reduce the budget shortfalls our Country faces yearly”
The comment
I have spent much of my life (age 79) in out of door arena including wilderness areas and remote national park lands. My activities included hiking, fishing, canoeing, back packing and hunting. It's a joy to have some areas that have been protected from the more aggressive footprint of man.
I am not a scientist nor a professional, but my layman observations of areas accessed by road show increased erosion, trash, fire pits full of garbage and tire tracks everywhere possible. The noise pollution adversely interferes with the quiet solitude and peaceful environment. Frankly, we do not need more open areas. Let's continue to enjoy the few remaining parcels for us and our descendants.
I feel the fire risk issue is a red herring, just to open up the area for increased foresting. Do we need it? Aren't other ways to fight fire available? Yes.
Lastly, the government already has a massive backlog of projects in the forest system. Why add more when it is not being done now?
Plus, it helps reduce the budget shortfalls our Country faces yearly.
Please keep things as they are. Thank you. James J Shinners, Saginaw, MI 48604 cell 989 928 1866