I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule, which prevents new road construction on more than 43 million acres of public lands. This rule was established in 2001, following 600 public meetings and 1.6 million public comments! The people have already spoken loudly and clearly that they want to keep this rule. It is deeply troubling that the current administration is attempting to undo this long standing protection without meaningful public input.
In the Gila National Forest (GNF) alone, approximately 730,000 acres of roadless areas safeguard habitat for more than 2,000 known plant and animal species, including over a dozen listed under the Endangered Species Act and nearly 60 additional species of conservation concern. These lands are a national treasure, forming a vital buffer around the Gila Wilderness — our country’s first designated wilderness — and the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Opening these areas to logging and mineral extraction would negatively impact us and irreversibly damage ecosystems that have been protected for generations.
The administration cites fears about wildfire as justification for rescinding the Rule, but that flies in the face of what the Rule allows and what science has clearly demonstrated. The Roadless Rule allows for fuel reduction, thinning, wildfire suppression and restoration activities. Scientific research has found that about 85% of fires are human-caused and most wildfires start near roads, not in roadless areas! More roads, very likely mean more fires.
The GNF will be the hardest hit in my state, with 733,000 acres of roadless forests open for extraction industries. Much of our roadless forests surround our country’s first wilderness (Gila Wildnernes) and the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. These roadless areas help protect endangered species and species of conservation concern. They are part of our natural heritage and should not be open for exploitation.
Roadless forests also safeguard clean drinking water and support healthy rural economies built on outdoor recreation, hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping. These benefits are long standing and irreplaceable. They are part of our natural heritage and should not be sacrificed for short term industrial gain. The public deserves to be consulted before any attempt is made to dismantle protections that Americans overwhelmingly support.
To conclude: We value our roadless areas, and expect the U.S. Forest Service to uphold the protections that Americans overwhelmingly support. I strongly urge you not to rescind the Roadless Rule and not to ignore the voices of the people who depend on and cherish our natural heritage.
Sincerely,
Robert Robbins