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Dear Ms. Rollins,Edit salutation
As someone who has been on public land in all kinds of conditions and has noticed which policies have held and which have eroded, I'd put the 2001 Rule in the column of things that have genuinely held — and that's exactly why it should stay. I am an ecologist by training. I earned my M.S. in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development from University of Georgia's Odum School of Ecology. Since then, I have worked in evironmental advocacy. The health of our environment is very important to me both for sustaining important ecosytems and for the recreational opportunities.Edit customized opening
I moved to Western North Carolina about 5 years ago, and one of the draws to the area was the vast public lands throughout the region. In particular, the South Mills River district of Pisgah National Forest is an important roadless area that we have enjoyed backpacking.Edit personal connection
If this rule were to be recissinded, it would threaten our water quality downstream. The pristine water quality in these mountains is responsible for great aquatic habitat throughout the watershed. Sedimentation from road building would take away the opportunity for my kids to learn about and see salamanders and beautiful fish in our mountain streams. Our local economy would suffer as well, as outdoor recreation and tourism supplies the livlihoods of many in my community.
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