I am writing to oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
The Roadless Rule has protected almost 45 million acres of our old growth forests and unfragmented national forest land that sustains all lives.
My husband and I reside in Michigan and have spent most of our lives in the great outdoors. It is extremely important to our well being. We have back packed, hiked, paddled and biked across this amazing country of ours.
In Michigan alone we love being in Huron-Manistee National Forest, Hiawatha and the Ottawa National Forests, we have been on sections of the 44k miles of back country trails across the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide trails- all of which would be affected if roads were allowed into these areas.
These lands provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, and irreplaceable backcountry recreation access for millions of Americans.
I’m extremely concerned about what we could be left with if this is rescinded. I have trouble understanding the logic as it is 90% supported across all parties, for the logging and commercial businesses it has been show that it isn’t even economically feasible to log these areas.
My top reasons revolve around the following;
WILDFIRE RISK: More roads could mean more human-caused wildfires. Ignitions are 7x higher on other National Forest lands than in roadless areas. The Roadless Rule allows for active fire management and fuel reduction.
WILDLIFE HARM: Wildlife and habitat could suffer. Full rescission could adversely affect 327 protected species and 71 critical habitats. Here in Michigan alone - our Great Lakes would be affected. Salmon, trout, bass would be at risk. Our majestic white tailed deer, pheasants, grouse, all our wildlife would be at risk.
WATER: Clean drinking water is at stake. About 24 million people use water originating in affected roadless areas. Again, these forests filter water before it gets to our Great Lakes which are critical to our state in a multitude of ways. The Great Lakes represent 20% of the world’s fresh surface water!!!! We can NOT risk this!
COST: We can't afford more roads. The Forest Service already has a $6.9 billion road and bridge maintenance backlog.
If these incredible forests that we hold dear were opened to intensive commercial harvesting here in Michigan and across the country, future generations, my nieces and nephews, many other’s children would miss out on all the benefits they provide, and the outdoor traditions they support.
This plan puts at risk an essential part of our heritage, my upbringing and identity -- as Michiganders and all Americans!
Please Do Not rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.