FS-2025-0001-595427

I am a resident of Park County, Montana, where more than half of public land outside of designated wilderness is protected by the Roadless Rule. My family, friends and I have spent countless hours hiking, fishing, and camping along Suce Creek, Mill Creek and Deep Creek in the Absaroka Range, Tom Miner Basin and Big Creek in the Gallatin Range, and Big Timber Creek, the Twin lakes, and the Porcupine-Ibex Trail in the Crazy Mountains. I am not alone in my appreciation for these quiet, undeveloped lands. Every year thousands of Montanans, as well as people from around the country and the world, come here to enjoy the hiking, fishing, hunting and wildlife watching available in these roadless areas. These activities are essential to are local economy which relies heavily on tourism and recreation. Rescinding the Roadless Rule will reduce these opportunities and destroy the quiet, undeveloped characteristics of the land that motivates people to come here for recreation. In addition, rescinding the Roadless Rule will especially effect those of us who live in an area prone to wildfires. Building new roads deeper into our forests will increase the chances of fires being started in these areas. 85% of wildfires are human caused and research shows that between 80 and 90% of wildfires start within ½ mile of a road. I urge you to select Alternative 1 (No Action) to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact.