I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Forest Service’s proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule.
I am an avid outdoor recreationist who regularly visits roadless areas in America's national forests. For the last 55 years I have camped, hiked and backpacked in most of Colorado's National Forests, doing many trips each year in the White River National Forest, Rio Grande National Forest, Arapahoe National Forest, Roosevelt National Forest, Pike National Forest, San Isabel, and San Juan National Forest. These are some of the main ones. I have also hiked, camped and backpacked in Wyoming's national forests such as the Teton National Forest, Bridger National Forest and Bighorn National Forest. I have also hiked and backpacked in much of southeast Utah. Most of my backpack trips are from 4 to 12 days covering 40 to 100 miles per trip. I have enjoyed all the beauty the National Forests have to offer such as the wildlife, fishing and clean water that is presently there. This is where I rejuvenate, refocus and clear my head. Logging and road building would spoil these untouched, pristine National Forests and they must remain roadless.
The roadless National Forests help provide clean drinking water to downstream communities, are home to cold, crystal-clear trout fishing streams, boast world-class hiking and mountain biking trails, support local businesses, provide habitat for at-risk animal species, and offer unmatched experiences for visitors looking to get away from the noise and commotion of roads.
I believe that road building for logging in the National Forests would do long-lasting damage to these incredible public lands, to the wildlife, water and to communities that benefit from them. The financial gain would not justify the damage.
As far as management goes what could be less complicated than managing all the national forests through one simple and clear mandate of the current roadless rural. Why fragment the management which would occur for each individual National Forest. Think of all the increased litigation that could result when each National Forest has its own management rules and is litigated separately.
I strongly urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place as-is, so that future generations of hikers, anglers, mountain bikers, hunters, climbers, birders, and paddlers can enjoy these amazing roadless places.
Thank you for considering my thoughts
Tom Lohaus
Colorado