Dear Forest Service, I am a native Floridian and I am writing to support Roadless Area Conservation. I have grown up camping in the Ocala National Forest and visiting Florida's natural areas. We need to conserve land that is still remote, wild and natural. By ending the Roadless Rule you are jeopardizing these lands for our children and grandchildren.
A few items to consider when making your decision.
Roadless areas in Ocala National Forest help protect the largest sand pine scrub ecosystem in the world, the largest remaining population of the threatened Florida scrub jay and encompass much of the springshed of Alexander Springs – one of the only pristine springs remaining in Florida.
The unaltered wetland habitats in Florida’s roadless areas are critically important to species like the flatwoods salamander and others that are very sensitive to hydrologic impacts that result from logging and roadbuilding.
The Forest Service’s own research demonstrates road development in natural areas is a significant vector for the introduction of invasive species and that wildfire frequency also increases with road density.
Florida’s national forests are home to 136 plant species and 36 animal species designated as either threatened or endangered. Many of these species would be put at even greater risk by expanded logging, mining, and other resource extraction.
Please preserve what is left of the Florida I love by opposing the ending of the Roadless Rule.
Sincerely,
Deborah Ferencak