I am writing to oppose the rescission of the Roadless Rule. This rule protects about 45 million acres of public lands from development – construction, logging, mining and possibly privatization. The reason for rescinding the rule is to purportedly better manage forests for wildfire risk, but in fact wildfires are more likely to break out near roads. Managing wildfire risk can be more effectively accomplished using other strategies.
The Roadless Rule protects fragile ecosystems and watersheds. Healthy forests mean healthy salmon runs, upon which some rural communities depend on for their nutrition. Healthy watersheds mean good water quality which is critical for rural public water systems.
Rural communities are in favor of leaving the rule in place because their economies or ways of life depend on outdoor recreation-based tourism including hiking, hunting and fishing. Building more roads can lead to more smoke from wildfires which negatively impacts tourism. In addition, building more roads increases the need for more road maintenance, which is already at a deficit.
In North Carolina, over 170,000 acres are protected by the Roadless Rule. Some of the best fish and wildlife habitat in the US are found in these areas. The 20,000+ protected acres located in the Croatan National Forest contain unique flora and fauna. In addition to being crucial for wildlife and recreation, this acreage plays an important role in flood protection since it lies in a coast area.
The Roadless Rule dates back to 2001 when it became law with bipartisan support. There is no good reason to rescind it.