I strongly oppose the proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. I am a resident of California and my immediate family has always enjoyed camping and visiting national forests and parks. We have loved visiting Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, Olympic National Forest, Silver Falls State Park, Glacier, and the Cleveland National Forest land just to name a few. My extended family now spans 5 generations. I want our grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews to be able to enjoy protected national lands as we have done. Considering all of our family members we have campers, hikers, backpackers, fishermen, kayakers, hunters, photographers, birdwatchers, and those who just want to unplug and unwind in nature.
Conservation of our beautiful lands is crucial. The Roadless Rule provides ecological protection, recreation, and sustainable forest management. It protects clean water sources, wildlife habitat, endangered or sensitive species, and mitigates fire danger. Humans are the source of nearly 90% of wildfire ignitions. Ignition density is nearly 4 times higher within 50 meters of roads. More roads in forests means a higher danger for fires. Most of us in California have much personal experience with wildfires and are very concerned with preventing them.
These wild lands are the treasures and jewels of America. We need to be stewards of their protection, not agents of their sale and development. Opening new roads will lead to logging, mining and other commercial endeavors detrimental to our precious forest land. As Joni Mitchell cautioned some 50 years ago, paving paradise and putting up parking lots means our beautiful resources will be gone forever.
I ask that the Forest Service listen to the overwhelming public consensus and
preserve the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule as it stands.
Sincerely,
Cathy Leonard
Spring Valley Ca