I am writing in support of the Roadless Rule, rescission of which would be shortsighted, environmentally detrimental, and economically irresponsible. I live near the Craggy Mountain, Bearwallow, and Balsam Cone roadless areas on the Pisgah National Forest. Construction of roads in these natural areas would:
- Add sediment to headwater streams and contribute to increases in water temperature, which would harm populations of native brook trout and other aquatic organisms that are critical drivers of recreation dollars and also important components of intact freshwater communities.
- Reduce water quality in watersheds that supply drinking water to communities in the area, raising costs for water treatment.
- Lead to new populations of non-native invasive species along road corridors, which would harm sensitive habitats and increase the already-astronomical direct and indirect costs resulting from the spread of non-native invasive species in the US.
-Fragment critical areas of intact forested habitat, which is vital for the survival of native wildlife.
-Cause irreversible harm to sensitive high-elevation habitats, which are important refugia for threatened and endangered species.
-Damage the wild character of these important places, reducing their appeal as recreational destinations and thereby draining the local economy of important tourism dollars.
These are just a few examples of how rescission of the Roadless Rule would have a detrimental effect on a few of the inventoried roadless areas nearest to me. Please retain the Roadless Rule.