I oppose the proposal to fully or partially rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
My name is Stephen Hoekwater and I live in Caledonia, Michigan. Public lands matter very much to me and I care deeply about the health of our lands and waters. I enjoy hiking, fishing, backpacking, and hunting and have done so in our National lands in Michigan and all throughout our county. Removing this beneficial regulation will harm our public lands. I have strong concerns that the current administration is moving ahead with energy and resource removal without consideration of the health of the land itself. For instance, if the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule were removed, timber harvesting would cause devastation to mature Forests that are a treasure we must protect. Those in leadership positions are not proving they are looking at the larger picture or the needs of future generations, but instead are seeking instant gains regardless of the harm it will cause. Areas I have particular concern for are those parts of National Forests in Michigan: Hiawatha National Forest, Huron-Manistee National Forest, and Ottawa National Forest.
I urge you members of the U.S. Congress to oppose the proposal to rescind or alter the Roadless Rule,” and support “Alternative 1, the No Action alternative.
Thank You,
Stephen Hoekwater