I live in Snohomish County, 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. I have hiked, backpacked, camped, and rode horses all over Washington State, including the Okanagan National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest. I have so many memories of family trips in the wilderness, of roughing it and loving it, of connecting with the generations before me who walked this land.
I am concerned about wildlife habitat and landscape connectivity. So much wildlife already has to try to survive around human settlements in fragmented pieces of habitat, hindering ability to migrate and to find sustenance.
And what of the cost of expanding the National Forest road system? I would rather we better maintain the roads we already have than spend money on new roads and bridges.
And there is the issue of wildfires, which have been increasing in recent years, not only burning the landscape but sending smoke to distant communities and poisoning the air. Since most wildfires are caused by humans, how would increasing access to natural areas lower the chances of wildfire?
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.