“Most wildfires are caused by humans and most human-caused fires occur near roads”
The comment
I appreciate the many values National Forests bring to my state (including the Coconino and Tonto National Forests in AZ) and the forests I have visited (including the Shasta-Trinity, Deschutes and Mt. Hood National Forests in CA and OR). These values include enhancing my personal wellbeing, providing cleaner drinking water, fueling the local economy through recreation and tourism, supporting habitat for wildlife, and more. As a result, I support keeping the Roadless Rule intact and urge the implementation of Alternative 1: The “No Action Alternative”.
Roadless areas keep our forests healthy. They serve as the ecological backbone of our national forest lands and:
- Supply drinking water for 25 million people in the U.S.;
- Support Tribal cultural practices;
- Enhance outdoor recreation including backcountry hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, angling, and hunting, all of which fuel the economies of many small towns and rural communities;
- Shelter over 200 imperiled species;
- Protect the military mission in part by serving as a crucial buffer against urbanization.
Additionally, more roads mean more wildfire risk. Most wildfires are caused by humans and most human-caused fires occur near roads. Given the rising costs and threat of wildfires, let's not take action that will make the problem worse.
Please move forward with the No Action Alternative 1: Keep the Roadless Rule intact.
Sincerely,
Megan Hooker
Flagstaff, AZ 86004