Dear Forest Service,
I am writing to ask that you not rescind the Roadless Rule, which protects important forest and wild land. Our roadless areas are crucial for many species of animals and they provide opportunities for recreation. They also protect sources of clean water. And they actually decrease the likelihood of fire. Studies have shown that forest adjacent to roads is four time more likely to burn.
Throughout my life, I have enjoyed walking on trails through Forest Service land. I have always felt proud of our country for conserving our heritage of beautiful and ecologically significant forests. These lands are important for us and will be tremendously important for the generations that follow us.
At a time when climate change is a huge threat to human well-being, it is especially important that we protect our forests. Once the pristine, wilderness areas are gone, there is no way to bring them back. It would be a huge mistake to allow these forests to be exploited for short-term profit. If we protect them, future generations will be grateful.
Please don't allow our precious heritage of roadless wild land to be despoiled. Please do not repeal the Roadless Rule.
Thank you for your consideration.
Annette Holland