I grew up recreating in the Sierra National Forest. As a child my parents would take my brothers and I into Wilderness areas to backpack and fish. I continue to backpack and hike in my 60's in these special places preserved by forward thinking people.
I urge you to not rescind the Roadless Rule. As an American, I cherish our country's public lands and waters, including the millions of acres of wild and roadless forests. There are plenty of roads already in our National Forests.
Rescinding the Roadless Rule threatens landscapes that include some beautiful and well-loved places for climbing, fishing, hiking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking and paddling, as well as the economic value of recreation in many rural communities. Beyond these outdoor experiences, these protections are critically important in the face of a changing climate and changing demands on our public lands. These ecosystems help support all life on Earth, from clean drinking water to habitat for endangered wildlife.
Keep the Roadless Rule in place. Millions of Americans have supported the Roadless Rule since its creation, and I join them in urging you to protect our legacy of public lands.
Generations of future Americans will have to live with the damage rescinding the Roadless Rule would create. You don't know what you have until it's gone.