I oppose the proposal to fully or partially rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
My name is Melissa Laplante from Gorham, NH. My husband and I moved to this area to partake in the recreational activities within the White Mountain National Forest about 10 years ago. In particular, the Great Gulf Wilderness, the Wild River Wilderness, the Cherry Mountain Wilderness and the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Here, we hike, ski, bike, paddle, and hunt. In the time we have lived here, we have seen our town blossom due to the attraction of these areas, for recreational purposes, such as ourselves, but also for the clean water and air. Like-minded individuals interested in conservation and outdoor recreation have settled in our small town, which is still recovering from mill closures 20 years ago.
We’ve seen small businesses open to cater to this community and thrive. We see our neighbors on the trails, and then at the local outdoor minded brewery after a backcountry ski day. We visit with family and friends who are staying in Gorham for access to these trails regularly. Both of us were in education, and see what a positive impact this land has on the area’s youth.
For the reasons listed above, fully or partially rescinding the Roadless Rule under Alternatives 2 and 3 of the draft EIS would be a grave mistake.
I oppose the proposal to rescind or alter the Roadless Rule and support Alternative 1, the No Action alternative.