“Local forest planning should complement a consistent national conservation standard”
“Forest Service should demonstrate why targeted approaches cannot address specific management needs”
The comment
I strongly oppose the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule under Docket FS–2025–0001. Our national forests embody the vastness, natural beauty, and freedom to roam that make the United States extraordinary. These public resources should be protected for current and future generations. Removing nationwide safeguards against road construction and timber harvesting would expose roadless areas to increased development pressure and risk lasting damage to our water quality, precious wildlife habitats, and cherished natural landscapes. Local forest planning should complement a consistent national conservation standard, rather than replace it.
I support responsible forest management and efforts to protect communities from wildfire, but these goals do not justify the broad elimination of roadless protections. The existing rule includes exceptions, and the Forest Service should demonstrate why targeted approaches cannot address specific management needs before removing these safeguards. Substantial opposition from Tribal governments also deserve serious consideration, particularly their concerns about protecting sacred sites, ancestral lands, and subsistence resources. These places sustain living cultures and are integral to our nation’s heritage and history. Please reject the proposed rescission and retain the 2001 Roadless Rule.