I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposal to fully and partially rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to maintain existing protections and select the Alternative 1, No Action. Shifting management to a piecemeal, forest-by-forest process risks fragmenting vital ecosystems and opening irreplaceable backcountry to industrial road construction and commercial logging.
My opposition is deeply rooted in a lifetime of recreating in our national parks and public lands. Living near the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, I see firsthand the profound ecological, economic, and recreational value that intact, roadless landscapes provide to local communities and regional watersheds. Just this week our forests are drawing in many tourists during peak foliage season, allowing local businesses to thrive. As a biologist and homeowner, I understand and appreciate how vital these areas are to fire management; soil, air and water quality; and biodiversity.
Furthermore, my time spent on our national scenic trails—including life-changing experiences on both the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT)—fully shaped my understanding of why large, continuous wild spaces must be preserved. These trails and the roadless areas they traverse are national treasures that offer unmatched opportunities for solitude, personal growth, and outdoor recreation. To me, our remaining roadless national forests and the recreation opportunities within them are among the most precious and defining features of our country.
The 2001 Roadless Rule has successfully protected clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitats, and carbon-storing forests for twenty-five years. Dismantling this rule would permanently degrade the wild character of these lands and harm ecosystems and future generations of hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Please protect the integrity of our public lands, uphold the 2001 Roadless Rule, and select the No Action Alternative.
Thank you for considering my comments.