Dear Secretary Rollins:
I am writing as an Indiana resident who strongly opposes repealing the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule FS-2025-0001-223869.
Weekly, I spend a great deal of time hiking and visiting parks and natural areas with my family. Through local conservation programs I have learned how delicate our natural areas are. Once disturbed, it takes much more work and finances to repair any damage done. Our national parks service is already back logged with road repairs according to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/infrastructure/maintenance-backlog.htm we have over $35 million in deferred maintenance. I feel adding to this back log is irresponsible and would diminish the quality of our parks and environment.
Some of our nation's most treasured habitats are intact and thriving solely because of the roadless rule. Removing this rule would lead to habitat loss for endangered species, overgrowth of invasive species, and a significant increase in the management costs in these areas. These roadless areas include up to 18,000 acers in the Hoosier National Forest, home to 6 endangered species according to https://www.nationalforests.org/forest/hoosier-national-forest/.
The loss of these species and the fragmentation of the land would greatly disturb the ecosystem within the Hoosier National Forrest which is responsible for the great air quality and landscape of the area. https://www.edmondok.gov/1234/Trees-Improve-Air-Quality
The Roadless Rule does not hinder access to wild natural areas for management. The Roadless Rule helps to protect fragile ecosystems and preservesvaluable public lands for generations to come.
Please retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and stop the destruction of public lands.
Sincerely,
Jacob Ford
Clarksville, IN