I am writing in opposition to the rescinding of the 2001 Roadless Rule. I SUPPORT the Roadless Rule.
I live in Morganton, NC where I visit two of the areas under threat of development of roads: Linville Gorge Wilderness Addition and Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River. Here, I hike, run, mountain bike, and learn more about nature and the rich, unique ecosystems that make them what they are.
My opposition to the Roadless Rule being rescinded comes largely from a biological and ecological concern. I believe what makes a lot of these Roadless Areas so unique and important is that they are largely void of human intervention and development.
While autonomy of the local level can seem like a good idea, the Federal Rule allows for a blanket protection of the identified spaces.
Roads: We don’t need any more roads. We have advanced technology and highly trained people on hand to access and rescue. Roads also increase human traffic, and according to the National Interagency Fire Center: “As of 2023, the 10-year average of human-caused fires account for 88 percent of all wildfires nationally.” https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/fire-prevention-education-mitigation/wildfire-investigation
Timber: Logging is detrimental to natural ecosystems, removing wildlife habitats and allowing for invasive species to take over, as well creating a monoculture of plantlife. Logging also lends to increased ground fuel, exacerbating the spread of wildfire by any cause. Logging will decrease what it is that brings people to recreate in these areas, thus boosting surrounding economies.
What these areas actually need is public education on how to exist in these spaces. If we continue to open up wild areas to more roads and use, the natural world will suffer.
Rescinding this feels like it ultimately will benefit the logging companies, and that’s not what I, nor the community of people who utilize these spaces want to see.
Don’t do it!