As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I am deeply concerned about the idea of removing the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule conserves over 58 million acres of multiple-use public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service that provide some of the best places to recreate in America. Repealing safeguards afforded by the Roadless Rule will jeopardize intact fish and wildlife habitat and I urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to uphold strong protections for all roadless areas.
Across the country, roadless areas provide amazing habitat for native trout and salmon, big game, and other wildlife. The 2001 Roadless Rule generally prohibits new road construction and industrial logging, while at the same time keeping these public lands open to habitat improvement projects, hazardous fuels reduction, hunting, fishing, OHV riding, firewood cutting, grazing, and camping.
Roadless areas have allowed me to create special memories due to the unique habits that they provide. One such memory is a trip with my in-laws for my brother-in-law's 30th birthday. The family got together in Dubuis, Wyoming for a fly fishing trip in Shoshone National Forest in the Telephone Draw roadless area where we had 2 days of great fly fishing and commadaire. It was there that I caught my first trout on a fly rod, a memory I will remember forever. Another memory is when my husband and I took our puppy on his first camping trip near the Big and Little Indian areas in Nantahala National Forest. His excitement of being able to hike in the woods and take in all the new scents and sounds was something that I will never forget.
Rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule would allow new roads and logging that compromise water quality and degrade the pristine habitats vital for hunting, fishing, and camping. Preserving these opportunities for future generations is essential. Rather than constructing new roads, our focus should be on addressing the $5 billion maintenance backlog across the existing 370,000+ miles of National Forest System roads, preventing erosion and runoff from degrading habitats further. Additionally, claims that new roads reduce wildfire risks conflict with U.S. Forest Service data showing over 70% of human-caused wildfires originate within half a mile of a road. Expanding the road network is far more likely to increase wildfire occurrences. Finally, since roadless areas were designated in part due to a lack of economically viable timber, timber harvesting should prioritize existing roaded infrastructure before sacrificing our nation's most precious undeveloped public lands.
Roadless areas have provided myself and my family with exceptional opportunities to experience some of the best fish and wildlife habits and recreational opportunities in America. I strongly support maintaining the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule to keep these public lands a great place to enjoy for all future Americans.