To: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Ecosystem Management Coordination Division,
I am writing to express my opposition to the repeal of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001. I believe the Roadless Conservation rule is one of the best and most successful conservation measures implemented. As a person who loves the outdoors and spends a lot of time in the National Forests of North Carolina and across the United States, I see firsthand the magnificent ecosystems this rule protects and the opportunities it provides for outdoor recreation. These wilderness areas include the last remnants of the old growth forests of the United States; forests that are irreplaceable and should be protected now and for future generations. Allowing roads in these areas will harm the ecology of these forests. These are the last strongholds for numerous species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates, many of which are endangered. They are vital for migratory birds, providing intact habitat and safe nesting areas during breeding season and safe places to rest during migration.
Rescission of the Roadless Rule would harm the nation's water supply by increasing erosion, sedimentation and pollutants into pristine watersheds. Roads break up essential wildlife corridors and allow invasive plants to proliferate in wilderness areas. These protected landscapes help mitigate climate change by being an effective carbon sink. Carving roads through our wilderness areas will degrade the forests ecosystems and increase fire risk. The majority of wildfires are human-caused and concentrated near forest roads. Roadless areas have one of the lowest density of wildfire ignitions across areas managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Roadless wilderness areas support local communities that rely on outdoor recreation experiences such as hiking, climbing, backcountry skiing, hunting, and fishing to support their economy. Intact roadless wilderness is important in the protection of Tribal cultural sites.
I urge you to leave the 2001 Roadless Rule intact to continue to protect the biodiversity of this nation's amazing ecosystems and wildlife. Our wilderness is one of the greatest treasures of this country and deserves our stewardship and protection.