The backcountry wilderness I hike is extremely important to me. Hiking through places untouched by roads, surrounded by wild forests, is where I feel most connected to the world around me and at peace. The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule is what makes this possible, and its rescission under Docket FS-2025-0001 would cause irreversible damage. I oppose this proposal fully.
Tusquitee Bald in the Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, is one place I know from my own experience. I have many wonderful memories hiking there with my family. The old-growth forests, undisturbed watersheds, and the diverse community of endemic salamanders I’ve encountered there are part of what makes it special. The Southern Appalachians are among the most biodiverse temperate forests in North America, and the Nantahala holds 14 roadless areas totaling 52,304 acres. These roadless areas protect the last wild headwaters that flow to both the Atlantic and the Gulf, along with salamander species found nowhere else on Earth. The roadless rule must remain to preserve these forests, wildlife, and watersheds.
The Lance Creek roadless area in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia is home to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. I’ve had the opportunity to hike that section of the A.T., and I hope someday to complete the entire trail. The Chattahoochee holds 23 inventoried roadless areas totaling 63,351 acres, and it is part of the wildest land in the southeastern United States. It is home to black bears, brook trout, hellbender, cerulean warbler, and the northern long-eared bat. Without the roadless rule, Lance Creek and the other roadless areas along the trail become vulnerable to compromised scenic views, fragmented habitats, and degraded water quality. I hope that when I do complete the trail, I will be hiking through wilderness and alongside wildlife that the rule has continued to protect.
I fully oppose the proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. This rule protects irreplaceable land home to old growth forests, diverse wildlife, and watersheds. This rule protects the undisturbed wilderness where I hike, find connection, and peace. It protects the places that we all cherish. These public lands belong to the people. Please listen to our comments.