I am writing with concerns about the proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, specifically regarding the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. Growing up in Sheridan, Wyoming, my family came to appreciate the mountains and the ecosystems surrounding them. I then lived in several states on both coasts and realized how unique and special our access is in Wyoming. I am concerned that rescinding this rule will open these mountains to several problems that are prevelant in these other states.
First, the Bighorns are fully accessible via 1,200 miles of roads over 900,000 acres. My family enjoys the mountains with camping but also on ATVs and have never had a problem finding roads to ride - in fact, we haven’t even discovered 1/2 of them in over 20 years. So the comments from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen A. Vaden about ensuring that the public can access its forests, as well as the comment from USDA Natural Resources and Environment Secretary Mike Boren about ensuring the roads are open for public use, do not appear relevant to the Bighorns. In most all other states, camping is allowed only in campgrounds. In the Bighorns, we enjoy dispersed camping and have so many freedoms with this. The mountains are truly open for public use here.
Furthermore, the comment from Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz about the extent of roads under Forest Service care only raises more concern. Currently, with personnel cuts and budget cuts, the Bighorn National Forest is struggling to keep up with its current road maintenance. Adding more roads and access would only add more load to an already overloaded system.
Additionally, adding more roads and access would disturb vital wildlife, especially elk, that have specific migration patterns. Hunting has always been a vital part of so many families around this area, not to mention so many hunters from out of state.
Lastly, the use of the Bighorns in my lifetime, about 50 years of camping/hiking/backpacking/riding, has changed dramatically. The number of ATVs and campers have increased significantly as well as the amount of backpackers. Unfortunately, this has brought a lot more damage, waste, and trash from human traffic. Then, with Forest Service personnel cutbacks, clean up from this has been near impossible. Rescinding the Roadless Rule will only open more areas to more traffic and damage. Making easier access will only make it easier for people and companies to abuse the land and natural resources.
The Roadless Rule is working well and was thoroughly and thoughtfully drafted with over a million people involved. I encourage the Forest Service to not throw out this rule in its entirety.
Thank you for considering my comments.