I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. As a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, and an avid public land hunter and angler, I rely on intact, roadless public lands for the outdoor pursuits that define my way of life.
While Missouri may not have the millions of unbroken backcountry acres found in western states, the roadless tracts we do have, specifically within the Mark Twain National Forest, are incredibly precious. I spend my time on public lands pursuing deer and turkey, and wading clear streams for smallmouth bass. Large, undeveloped blocks of public land are essential to these resources. For deer and wild turkey, unfragmented habitats provide critical security cover and breeding grounds away from heavy motorized pressure. Just as importantly, keeping roads out of these areas protects the delicate watersheds of our streams, preventing the erosion, runoff, and siltation that can quickly degrade high-quality smallmouth bass habitats.
The value of these lands lies in their wild character. When a new road is cut into a previously undisturbed area, the landscape changes permanently. Wildlife behavior shifts due to increased pressure, invasive species find new corridors to take hold, and the quiet, rugged experience that hunters and anglers seek is lost.
Furthermore, this proposed rule change does not just affect my home state. Like many Missouri outdoor enthusiasts, I frequently travel to recreate on National Forest lands in other states. The national framework of the Roadless Rule ensures that the backcountry areas we value across the country remain intact for future generations, rather than being carved up piece by piece.
I urge the agency to abandon the proposed rescission and uphold the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Maintaining our remaining roadless areas is one of the most effective and necessary ways we can support fish, wildlife, and the enduring quality of outdoor recreation in Missouri and across the nation.