Dear Secretary Rollins and Forest Service Officials,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. As an avid hiker, backpacker, and bikepacker who has traveled thousands of miles across the American West, I have seen firsthand that roadless areas are irreplaceable public treasures.
My personal experiences in wild landscapes like the Gila and Santa Fe National Forests in New Mexico, the San Juan National Forest in Colorado, and the Manti-La Sal National Forest in Utah have shaped my deep appreciation for unroaded lands. From years on the trail, I know that introducing roads into these pristine areas only brings degradation and conflict.
Based on my observations throughout the West, expanding road networks leads directly to:
• Increased Fire Risk: More vehicle and human access significantly drives up the potential for devastating, human-caused wildfires in remote backcountry.
• Illegal Dumping & Pollution: Roads invite illegal trash dumping and vehicle contamination, actively spoiling pristine ecosystems. When backpacking or bikepacking, I always know I am getting closer to a motorized corridor or city because of the sudden influx of litter along the trail.
• Impacts of Irresponsible Use: Open roads frequently see irresponsible use by trucks, off-road vehicles, and motorcycles, which accelerates trail erosion and disrupts natural habitats.
• Loss of Natural Quiet: Vehicle noise pollution shatters the rare, deep peacefulness that can only be found far away from motorized infrastructure.
The 2001 Roadless Rule has successfully protected these lands for a quarter of a century. Rolling back these protections will permanently compromise the wild character, clean water, and quiet recreation opportunities that define our National Forests. I urge the Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the Roadless Rule.