I am writing to support the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
I grew up in a small town nestled in the Los Padres National Forest, surrounded by nature and beautiful wilderness that would later become Antimony and Sespe Roadless areas. As an adult I have been an avid hiker, including significant portions of the Pacific Crest Trail in addition to my home mountains. It is important to preserve these wilderness areas for the good of all American people.
Wildfire is always a concern in our dry part of California, but logging of trees that provide shade and wildlife habitats does not reduce fire risk. Brush clearance and closing of the National Forest during wind events has successfully prevented fires in our area. Increased roads and logging of trees that would take decades or a century to grow back would be just as catastrophic as wildfire. We need our old growth trees to preserve wildlife habitats, watershed and recreation which supports our local economy.
Please protect our roadless public land and resources for future generations. Thank you.