To the US Forest Service:
My name is Laura Sparks and I’m a photographer based in Asheville, North Carolina.
I’m writing asking you to not rescind the Roadless Rule. I care deeply about these public lands as my business depends on them! I spend a lot of time within Linville Gorge Wilderness and Pisgah National Forest (specifically Sam Knob, Black Balsam, and Flat Laurel Creek). And more importantly, as a person who simply loves the outdoors, I want to see these areas protected.
WNC is very vulnerable after Hurricane Helene. Allowing any roads to be built opens this area up to more harm. I know many have argued that this will help to fight forest fires, but we know from research, that many forest fires are manmade. I worry that easier access to these lands will in turn cause wildfires, not prevent them.
Our watersheds are also vulnerable with many protected species such as the Eastern Hellbender that are at risk of such a rule being rescinded.
Please, I beg you, help keep these areas wild. It’s hard to find untouched wilderness these days and it would mean so much to so many to still be able to enjoy nature as it was intended.
Thank you for the opportunity to make public comment.
Sincerely,
Laura Sparks