Dear Secretary Rollins,
I ask you to reflect on your legacy regarding our valued public lands and the impact of what repeating or diminishing it will cause.
I oppose the USDA’s plan to remove or weaken the Roadless Rule, which would damage public lands, waste taxpayer funds, and diminish the water, wildlife habitat, and recreation that millions of Americans cherish.
Roadless forests are among the most intact and resilient ecosystems in our nation. They filter and store clean drinking water, offer refuge for vulnerable species, and act as vital carbon sinks that help counter the growing effects of climate change. People hike, forage, bike, camp, ski, climb, and find peace in these remote areas. I personally find solace in silence, and seek out such places such as these for reconnecting with nature.
More roads will also spread invasive species, tear apart wildlife habitat and weaken ecological resilience.
More roads in the backcountry will also raise fire risks and research indicates wildfires ignite more often near roads. Once roads and clearcuts divide these landscapes, the harm is long- lasting. Weakening or repealing the Roadless Rule would be a serious error.
I do not support any proposed alternatives that roll back the Roadless Rule. I urge the USDA to drop this effort and instead reinforce its commitment to protecting our contry’s roadless forests for the clean water, climate resilience, recreation, and biodiversity they supply. Please Keep the Roadless Rule in place.
References:
Aplet, G.H., Hartger, P. & Dietz, M.S. Three-decade record of contiguous-U.S. national forest wildfires indicates increased density of ignitions near roads. fire ecol 22, 8 (2026) https://doi.org/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2
Mildrexler, D.J., Berner, L.T., Law, B.E. & Both, M.S. Roadless rule rescission threatens highest integrity forest ecosystems in the United States. Biological Conservation 321, 111950 (2026) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2026.111950
Sincerely,
Stevyn Llewellyn
Portland, OR 97231-2725
stevyn.llewellyn@gmail.com