For 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected the last large, undeveloped parts of our national forests. These areas are a source of clean drinking water for communities downstream, critical habitat for fish and wildlife, and some of the best places Americans have to hunt, fish, hike, and camp. Once a road is cut through a roadless area, that value can't be recovered.
The wildfire rationale doesn't justify a full repeal. The rule already allows road construction and tree-cutting to reduce fire risk and protect communities. Most wildfire-risk reduction work needs to happen near homes and towns, not in remote backcountry. Rescinding the rule entirely goes well beyond what fire management requires.
The rescission also makes poor fiscal sense. As a CPA, I'd point out that the Forest Service already has a large backlog of deferred maintenance on its existing road system. Adding new roads creates long-term liabilities the agency can't fund, while increasing erosion, stream sedimentation, and the spread of invasive species.
This rule has deep public support. The original rulemaking drew millions of comments, and the large majority favored protecting roadless areas. A decision this permanent deserves more than a short comment window. As a Tennessean, I want the roadless areas of the Cherokee National Forest kept intact for future generations.
I urge USDA to withdraw this proposal and keep the 2001 Roadless Rule in place.