Dear Secretary Brooke L. Rollins,
As a scientist and avid user of public lands, I work extensively in a variety of ecosystems across the Western U.S.. I understand the value of our diverse natural resources, including roadless areas. This rescission is problematic for a number of reasons that are clear to me, colleagues working in research, forest management, and fellow hunters, anglers and recreationists. The rescission would also interrupt decades of research and work in roadless area.
Outside of my work, I have joined multiple groups for stewardship trips in the Great Burn and another roadless areas in Montana and Idaho. The large number of people willing to dedicate their time, energy, expertise, and lots of sweat equity to this place shows the importance of roadless areas to the people who live nearby as well as to many who live much farther away.
Although the Draft EIS suggests otherwise, an increase in road access does not improve wildfire control. It is well understood that the majority of wildfires in this area are started close to roads by humans, so more roads and easier access does not improve wildfire likelihood. And, having used many Forest Service roads throughout my life and career, I understand the challenge of maintaining existing forest roads. Federal efforts would be better spent on decreasing the backlog of maintenance (especially given reduced staffing and resources in the Forest Service) rather than building new roads.
The Hoodoo area of the Nez Perce-Clearwater NF, ID and high-elevation habitat provides important headwaters protection for Bull Trout. These high-elevation streams maintain the cold water temperatures and clean spawning material that bull trout need for reproduction. The roadless condition preserves intact riparian forest (mostly dominated by subalpine fir and mountain hemlock) which shades these streams and prevents high temperatures that stress or kill developing trout eggs and juveniles. Rescinding the Roadless Rule would open the Hoodoo, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest to road construction and associated ground disturbance.
I strongly oppose rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule and the nearly 45 million acres affected in Montana alone. These areas are an essential part of the West's character, way of life, and natural, social, and economic value. This rescission would alter roadless areas for hundreds of years into the future, a change that cannot be undone. Please consider the long-term effects on human safety, livelihoods, values, as well as the needs and continued existence of wildlife species in your decision.
Please say no to the rescission.
Sincerely,
CommentID: RLC-20261006-69E29C