Roadless areas are key to wildlife security, and as a hunter, I have witnessed the critical role they play in providing quality hunting opportunities. I grew up in Quincy, California, a small town surrounded by the Plumas National Forest in rural Northern California. The Plumas National Forest has an extremely high road density, and learning to hunt there meant driving around the 4,000+ miles of roads and trails searching for blacktail deer. There were very few opportunities to hike more than a few miles without encountering another Forest Service road.
It wasn’t until I moved to Montana that I realized many national forests in the West do not have this same level of road density. These forests can provide a better hunting experience for those willing to hike while also providing critical security habitat for big game.
Once roads are built, the land is altered forever. It is critically important to maintain the remaining areas that support non-motorized users and wildlife. Some of my favorite places in the world, including the Lolo and Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forests in the Upper Blackfoot River watershed, would be at risk.
Please thoughtfully consider keeping these roadless areas protected.