As a scoutmaster, a mom, a nature lover, growing up in the Pacific Northwest has been very special to me and my family. We’ve enjoyed camping and hiking in areas that are special specifically because they are difficult to get to. The protection of the Roadless Rule has afforded us a sense of security that the future generations would be allowed the experience of awe and wonder at the expansive untouched beauty of these areas. Specifically because some of these conservation areas are so remote, we knew that they would stay protected. Without this protection, we all lose! The fact that these areas are undisturbed is what makes them special and irreplaceable.
Washington State in particular is negatively impacted by this senseless rollback because it would impact five national forests in Washington state: Olympic National Forest, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and Colville National Forest. All of which my family and friends have spent many weeks camping, hiking, fishing, summiting, climbing and in general standing in awe of the powerful healing that being in nature gives to those who spend time there. We need these protections to stand. There is no way to put a value on the benefits that these forests provide. Opening them up to roads, logging and the access to more unnecessary intrusion is unthinkable and careless. Removing these protections is careless, irresponsible and should never be considered. Roadless areas see fewer human-caused wildfires than roaded ones. This doesn't reduce fire risk near communities like mine, it increases it! Please do not allow this change!