As a resident living at 16047 NE Sealy Springs Rd in Prineville (Crook County), I am writing to express my strong opposition to policies under the Roadless Rule that restrict active forest management in our local public lands.
Living directly adjacent to the Ochoco National Forest, my neighbors and community have experienced firsthand the immediate threat posed by catastrophic wildfires. Properties like the nearby Wine Down Ranch on McKay Creek Road—a working family cattle and timber ranch—faced grave danger during the recent Brewer and Rowe Complex Fire. While active forest management, emergency access, and tireless firefighting efforts prevented total devastation, the fire demonstrated how crucial road access and active land stewardship are to community safety and wildfire response.
The restrictions mandated by the Roadless Rule severely limit federal agencies and local land managers from implementing essential forest health measures, such as mechanical thinning, fuels reduction, brush clearing, and maintaining critical access roads for firefighting equipment. Restricting road access under the guise of conservation creates unmanaged overgrowth, impedes rapid emergency response, and places neighboring private landowners, homes, livestock, and first responders at elevated risk.
Effective conservation and public safety are not mutually exclusive; true forest stewardship requires active management. I strongly urge the Forest Service to prioritize community safety, wildland firefighter access, and sound forest health practices by supporting active forest management and reconsidering restrictions imposed by the Roadless Rule.
Sincerely,
Jodi Clark
16047 NE Sealy Springs Rd
Prineville, OR 97754
Crook County