I live in Seattle, WA and am writing to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and select the No Action Alternative. My connection to National Forest lands includes hiking and backpacking. I want to experience a healthy, undisrupted natural ecosystem of flora and fauna, for long stretches without engines or other signs of human development.
Mount Zion is one place that has shaped my views on this proposal. It is within the Mount Zion Inventoried Roadless Area in Olympic National Forest. I value the clarity of the waters and skies, the non-mechanical quiet, and the size and variety of the trees and other vegetation.
I am concerned about clean water and healthy watersheds. The infrastructure of a built environment, including drainage systems, culverts, stream crossings and maintenance of roads can contribute sediment to streams, affect aquatic habitat, and have downstream effects for the entire ecosystem.
Before rescinding the national rule, I would like USDA to answer this question: How would USDA ensure that roadless values are protected through individual forest plans and project-level decisions if the national rule is removed?
For these reasons, I urge USDA to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and select the No Action Alternative. Thank you for considering my comments.