I firmly oppose USDA’s plan to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule. These roadless national forests are some of the last untouched public forest landscapes remaining. They are crucial for clean drinking water, wildlife habitats, salmon streams, old growth forests, outdoor recreation, and serve as vital spaces for communities, Tribal Nations, and future generations. Once split by roads, logging, and industrial access, the harm is irreversible.
USDA must not take away a national safeguard that has protected these forests for over two decades. The current Roadless Rule already permits necessary activities to mitigate wildfire risk, so repealing it isn’t required for community safety. In fact, more roads increase human ignition risks, habitat fragmentation, erosion, and long-term management expenses.
I’m also worried that removing the rule would transfer protection decisions to local forest planning, making intact forests more susceptible to political influence and short-term exploitation. Public forests should be managed for clean water, biodiversity, climate resilience, Indigenous stewardship, and public welfare, rather than opening them to more roadbuilding and logging.
I live in Utah and the Wastach-Cache-Uinta National Forest is my backyard. We don’t want the Roadless Rule repealed here, or anywhere.
Please retract the proposed rescission, maintain the 2001 Roadless Rule, and choose the strongest option to safeguard roadless areas throughout the National Forest System.
Thank you for considering my input.