I was fortunate to be a strong advocate for the Roadless Rule some 25 years ago. I support the rule and can not image key areas of Montana and other locations not being protected. I often spend time in Montana Roadless Areas - such as the Great Burn area and Burdette Creek in Montana. And I have visited and hikes many other roadles areas. I have property in the Bitterroot National Forest Area and see the first hand the damage roads do to water quality and huge amount of current roads that are not maintained. The harm of current roads in overwhelming in the West Fork of the Bitterroot drainage. The difference in water quality between unroaded and roaded areas in tremendous. The damage is tremendous. Special unroaded areas would see huge damage from roads. And these roads cost the tax payer huge sums - we do not recover these costs from timber sales. The amazing assumption that roading areas will save forest fires is false.
CommentID: RLC-20261007-KEWAB6