FS-2025-0001-543675

My name is Peggy McCrackin and I live in Laramie, WY, just 30 minutes from my beloved, pristine, and largely roadless Snowy Range Mountains in the Medicine Bow National Forest. I access the roadless of portions of these mountains on nearly a daily basis in the summer for hiking and often in the winter for snow shoeing and sking. Areas that I love include: the Snowy Range Mountains, French Creek, Libby flats, north fork, middle fork, and even Sheep Mountain. This is a true respite from the noisy world of vehicles, masses of people, exhaust, pollution left behind by visitors, and the constant barrage of man-made stimuli that impacts my mental and physical health. A stroll through the forest, wildflowers, snow, rocks, sounds and sights of nature and wildlife, and beautiful landscapes restores my soul like nothing else can. I strongly support the "NO Action" Alternative 1 that would maintain protections for our Roadless Forests. I strongly oppose Alternatives 2 and 3 which would strip their protections. As you well know, roadless areas are critical for fresh drinking water, wildlife habitat, and the many opportunities for recreational access that I and so many others enjoy. And as you undoubtedly know, most wildfires are started within a quarter of a mile of a road where most of the people are typically gathered. Roadless areas are actually a deterrent to wildfires. So the claim that this action is needed to better respond to wildfires is inaccurate at best and most likely deceptive. There are already so many roads in our national forests that are falling into disrepair because the forest service cant afford to maintain them. Why build more?? As I am sure you know by reviewing documentation that led to the roadless rule becoming law, this is what the American people want! They want roadless areas. The American people understand the value of roadless areas. Do you? Are you going to trample all over the will of the American people? Please do the right thing and keep the Roadless Rule intact.