“uphold the preservation of our most natural places”
“protection of our wilderness areas”
“canopy removal”
What it names
Roadless areas
Cheoah BaldWesser Bald
The comment
I oppose rescinding the Roadless Rule. Specifically:
1. The Roadless Rule does adds clarity on the process and location of logging, which allows for more efficient, thoughtful approaches to public lands and takes greater care of how forests are managed.
2. If allowed in all 20 Western North Carolina roadless areas, the outcome would affect runoff, water supply, and endangered species, including in Swain County’s two roadless areas — Cheoah Bald and Wesser Bald.
3. Rescission-induced changes to sedimentation and water quality are expected to lead to a 31-70% Eastern Hellbender population decline, an iconic and already endangered species.
4. Other threats include habitat fragmentation, canopy removal, invasive species encroachment, and plant and amphibian habitat disruption.
5. The change could impact tourism. Based on a 2023 Made by Mountains WNC Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, Swain County received $23,660,693 in labor income from outdoor recreation visits, which are dependent on natural scenery and unspoiled settings.
For those reasons and to uphold the preservation of our most natural places, please reject removing this important protection of our wilderness areas.