I live in Anchorage, Alaska and the Chugach National Forest is a playground for residents in the area. I can’t imagine allowing any commercial or industrial development on these lands. The same holds true for all public lands that would be affected by the rescission of the Roadless Rule. My wife and I are retired and travel in the winter, we make it a point to visit National Parks, National Forests, National Monuments and National Wildlife Refuges. We enjoy the pristine beauty of all of these National Treasures.
Rescinding the Roadless Rule would open the door to development of timber, mining and oil industries in these areas and negatively impact recreation, wildlife habitat and the environment. The old growth trees in these areas are vital to the health of the forests, they are able to survive fires and sow the seeds for new growth. I fear that the timber industry would harvest the old growth and weaken the health of the forests.
I am opposed to rescinding the Roadless Rule and encourage no change.