My name is Peter Casey and I live on the outskirts of the Chugach National Forest in Alaska. I oppose the changes to the Roadless Rule and would like to see the regulation remain unchanged. It makes no sense to weaken the roadless rule when the Forest Service doesn't have enough money or personal to maintain the roads that we currently have in our National Forests. Opening up our forests for more road construction will lead to further neglect of existing roads and eventually these new roads will also fall into disrepair.
Building more roads in remote forest areas also increase the risk of more wildfires. Wildfires are caused by humans and the most common place for wildfires to start in National Forests is along roads. I want to see our Forests protected and for them to remain unburned.
New roads would also interrupt the wilderness areas of the National Forest system. These areas are essential for wildlife, they provide habitat and solitude for large animals, help prevent the spread of invasive species, and give refuge for endangered species. They are also important recreational areas, often wilderness areas support the tourism economy of nearby towns like Ely, Minnesota and Portage, AK.
Please keep the Roadless Rule intact to protect our National Forests for many generations to come.