I am writing to submit a public comment on the intent to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule. I care deeply about our national forests because I am a wildlife conservationist whose career began with studying sensitive wildlife in Lincoln National Forest in south-central New Mexico. I have recreated at National Forests throughout my entire life, and I want my children to have the same opportunities in their lifetimes, and their children's lifetimes.
I strongly oppose rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule because the science is clear: road building fragments habitat, disrupting wildlife and watersheds; increases pollution; facilitates damaging extractive industries; and worsens the spread of invasive species. Roadless areas protect habitat for 1,600 at-risk species, safeguard clean drinking water for 60 million Americans, and preserve old-growth forests hundreds of years old.
Nearly 85% of wildfires are human-caused, and most ignite within a few hundred feet of roads. Wildfires are four times more likely to start in roaded areas than in unroaded tracts. Given that the FY26 budget eliminates funding for wildfire suppression and management, USDA cannot claim this rule change is genuinely about mitigating fire risks.
For all these reasons, I strongly oppose rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule. I ask that before moving forward, the agency:
-Conduct a thorough environmental analysis of roadless areas to assess the impacts of additional road building;
-Guarantee that no watersheds will be negatively affected by rescission;
-Develop and share a detailed plan for addressing its existing backlog in road maintenance and repairs;
-And commit to moving forward with transparency, including a full account of how public comments were considered and concerns addressed.
Please protect America’s remaining roadless areas for current and future generations.
Marissa Ardovino