I am writing to strongly oppose the repeal of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. For years I have camped and hiked in the Inyo National Forest, and some of my most best memories were made in its undeveloped backcountry. These places feel as wild and quiet as they do because they have been spared from road building and industrial development. Once a road is cut into a roadless area, that solitude can't be restored.
The Roadless Rule protects more than scenery. It safeguards the watersheds that supply drinking water to communities across eastern California, preserves wildlife habitat, and reduces the wildfire risk and costly maintenance burden that come with expanding road networks on public land. Repealing it would trade lasting public benefits for short-term gains, and it would undercut the experiences that draw visitors and support Eastern Sierra towns like Bishop. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place so that future generations can experience the Inyo as I have.