I oppose rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Please retain its protections for inventoried roadless areas.
Freshwater matters to me because my grandfather (called him Pops. He’s passed away now) used to bring me to this waterfall with a creek that feeds into a river in the Smoky Mountains and he said it was “our” waterfall. I know the waterfall wasn’t actually ours but it felt like and still feels like it’s ours to this day. I’m 24 now and it’s the first waterfall I ever remember visiting and I’d always visit it with him. I cried the first time I went there without him here. I know there are similar stories with so many other families at so many National Parks and if we keep these lands protected there will be many more stories to come.
I am concerned that removing restrictions on road construction and timber harvesting could increase erosion and sediment entering streams, harming water quality and the aquatic habitat for fish I care about. Please fully evaluate these effects on watersheds and downstream communities.
I urge the Forest Service to retain the Roadless Rule and prioritize clean water in its decision.
Thank you.