I am writing to express my OPPOSITION to rescinding the Roadless Rule—whether partially or entirely. The great outdoors—and our history of preserving these natural spaces—is what makes America great. No other country has the diversity of landscapes and miles of protected land that the United States has. The Roadless Rule has contributing to keeping many of these natural places pristine, allowing wildlife to continue to flourish and recreationists of all types to enjoy the land.
In the Pacific Northwest, the outdoors are part of the culture and identity of those fortunate enough to have grown up here. It is because of the Roadless Rule that I have been able to enjoy many of the beautiful places around my home. My first backpacking trip was in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. It was just my mom and I, and we had our fair share of adventure out there, but we survived, and it's a place I hope to come back to with my kids someday. Losing protections for this area endangers beautiful, secluded places like this, opening them up to corporate interests rather than preserving them for the public benefit.
Our public lands are for the people—and they should be managed and preserved for the benefit of people, not corporations. The Roadless Rule also protects land that is home to numerous important and threatened species. Our ecosystems hang in a delicate balance, and depend on the continued preservation of acres of untouched land to maintain that equilibrium. Protecting these natural places is one of the few ways we can ensure that our climate doesn't continue to get worse.
Rescinding the Roadless Rule would be short-sighted and irresponsible, prioritizing the business interests of a few over the benefit of the masses. Americans deserve to have access to natural, undeveloped areas, and the Roadless Rule ensures this can continue for generations. Do right by the citizens of this country, and do NOT rescind the Roadless Rule!