To the U.S. Forest Service:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to rescind, weaken, or roll back the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Our community relies upon the natural benefits of our wild, roadless spaces, particularly two inventoried roadless areas in the Nantahala National Forest: Wesser Bald (4,061 acres) and Cheoah Bald (7,795 acres). I own property that borders the Nantahala National Forst and any further clearing or development would significantly and negatively impact the area from a noise, pollution, and general beauty standpoint.
I chose to live in a remote part of Western NC. I chose to border what was, and has been to date, “protected” land. That land needs to stay as is - roadless. Humans have destroyed so much natural habitat in the area, there is no reason to do more destruction.
Our county relies on nature-based tourism for much-needed jobs and revenue to fund county services. Tourists that visit these wild, roadless spaces travel here because the forests are pristine, the scenery is iconic, the sounds of nature abound. Our county's quality of life, property value, and tourism all depend upon the integrity and protection of our inventoried roadless areas.
Many endangered and protected species live in our forests, streams and rivers: wildlife that needs us (people) to make decisions that ensure the healthy forest ecosystems needed for food, shelter, and breeding. I personally depend on these forests and watersheds for clean drinking water. In addition, I kayak the rivers and lakes, and I value the wildlife habitats in our old growth forests. Cutting roads into these protected areas would only reduce the quality of life for plants, wildlife, and people.
I urge the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to abandon the proposed rescission and instead maintain full protections for all currently designated inventoried roadless areas.
Regards.