FS-2025-0001-600224

Please, do not rescind or alter the roadless area conservation rule in any way. I recently had the opportunity to visit three amazing roadless areas in Oregon. They were not the first I had visited, as I love exploring outside and have been doing so as often as possible — usually with my kids — for more than 20 years. In fact, I moved to Oregon to explore the outdoors that I had heard so much about having grown up in the midwest. The places I visited and so many more like them within Oregon’s more than 2 million acres of roadless forests — and the nation's more than 45 million acres — are absolutely amazing. I cannot believe that you would even consider building roads into some of these areas, or opening them to logging, mining or other industrial activity. These are a legacy that should be left for future generations to enjoy and for the benefit of all the other species we share this world with. Tamawanas Falls, Mt. Hood Additions Roadless Area, Mt. National Forest Part of a 7,000 acre roadless area, this amazing, short hike to an epic waterfall was breathtaking. It was not remote or tranquil, but amazing to be able to share this experience with so many other people out there enjoying the natural world on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Mt. June, Hardesty Mountain Roadless Area, Willamette and Umpqua National Forests A spectacular climb through this 6,300 acre roadless area spanning two of Oregon’s national forests. Spending a morning in this area to catch post-sunrise at the summit. To spot a deer on my way up through the lush woods. To feel like I had the mountain to myself, not seeing another hiker that morning — but hearing the echo of owls and birds ring through the understory. Niagara Falls, Hebo 1a Roadless Area, Siuslaw National Forest A nearly 14,000 acre area in the coast range. An easy hike through a lush forest to a waterfall, which I am sure is much more prominent in the spring (I can't wait to return). Full of a variety of mosses, lichen, fungi, slugs, frogs, birds and one of my favorite things to see on a hike — nurse logs. I have attached a photo from each of the places I visited most recently, so that you can —and indeed have to — see just a few examples of what you would be spoiling just here in Oregon. To make sure that you open your eyes to the natural world that is not just here for exploitation and profit. Upon leaving these places recently, I was also confronted by spray paint on numerous trees marked to be cut and also an active logging operation before I exited those national forests. I just can’t imagine seeing either of those sights in the areas I spent the day hiking in. When will enough be enough? There are so few of these places left. Please do not rescind or alter the roadless area conservation rule. Thank you for considering my voice. Justin Boyles Portland, OR