oppose the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (RIN 0596-AD66; Docket FS-2025-0001).
As a backpacker and frequent visitor to Washington's public lands, I have spent many days in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. These landscapes provide some of the most outstanding backcountry recreation opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. The experience of traveling through largely undeveloped forests, quiet valleys, alpine basins, and roadless terrain is increasingly rare and valuable.
I am concerned that removing the national protections of the Roadless Rule could lead to increased road construction and fragmentation of currently undeveloped areas. Roads permanently alter the character of backcountry landscapes, diminish opportunities for solitude, increase impacts to wildlife habitat, and reduce the wilderness qualities that attract hikers, backpackers, hunters, anglers, and other outdoor recreationists.
The existing Roadless Rule has successfully protected important watersheds, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities for more than two decades. In Washington, roadless areas adjacent to and surrounding treasured destinations contribute significantly to the quality of the outdoor experience and help preserve intact ecosystems for future generations.
I support active forest management where appropriate, but I do not believe that rescinding nationwide roadless protections is necessary to achieve those goals. The long-term recreational, ecological, and watershed benefits of maintaining roadless areas outweigh the benefits of expanding road-building opportunities.
I urge the U.S. Forest Service to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and continue protecting inventoried roadless areas across our national forests.
Thank you for considering my comment.