I am an Arizonan and I recreate on public land almost daily. Public lands are central to the lifestyle and traditions that citizens like myself deeply value as Americans. I recreate on the Coconino NF, Kaibab NF, Tonto NF, Coronado NF, Prescott NF and the Apache Sitgreaves NF. I am an angler, hunter, backpacker, archer, recreationist, and roadless areas are central to my way of life. It is imperative that backcountry areas are conserved for my children's generation and for generations to come.
As a scientist, I believe that the rationale behind rescinding the roadless rule is built on faulty logic and poor presumptions instead of evidence. The rescission of the Roadless Rule is dangerous and not backed by solid science. The benefits of the Roadless Rule as they are written protect wildlife, watersheds, ensure proper wildfire management, protect clean water while providing the flexibility land managers need. The Roadless Rule does not limit active forest management. Land managers are able to treat high fuels areas while preventing the construction of permanent roads. The data clearly show that wildfire risk increases in areas with roads. I support scientifically informed forest management from local experts who understand the impacts of recreation and forest health. Eliminating the Roadless Rule is dangerous and puts our forests, citizens, wildlife and firefighters at greater risk. In Arizona, wildfire ignitions are nearly seven times more likely near roads according to a report from The Wilderness Society. Introducing new road systems will increase fire frequency and put our fire fighters in harms way.
The impact of rescinding the Roadless Rule will affect 45 million acres of land while federal land management agencies remain underfunded and understaffed. This proposal is being made while the Forest Service is experiencing a major reorganization including the elimination of regional offices, relocation of staff and a reduction in force. How does removing long-standing protections amid a major agency restructuring benefit the American people and the lands we all share? It does not.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Roadless Rule.