I am a Florida resident and registered voter in Wakulla County. I STRONGLY OPPOSE the proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule). My property is essentially adjacent to the Apalachicola National Forest (ANF) which is near and dear to me. I frequently visit ANF, often on field trips organized by the Sarracenia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, to marvel at the many rare and beautiful plants found there. I have organized many educational field trips for local residents and teens across the state to see and learn about Red Cockaded Woodpeckers (RCWs) and their habitat. Roadless areas in ANF support some of the finest remaining stands of old growth longleaf pine, botanically unique pitcherplant savannas that are extremely sensitive to the slightest changes in hydrology, and the largest remaining population of RCWs. I shudder to think of the damage that will be done to these precious resources if the roadless rule is rescinded.
What is to be gained by rescinding the roadless rule? Currently logging and new road development are not entirely prohibited in designated Roadless areas. It simply requires additional assessment to ensure the consideration and protection of sensitive natural resources.
Much will be lost and new problems and threats will arise if this rule is rescinded. USFS research has shown that road development in natural areas often leads to the introduction of invasive species -- and that wildfire frequency increases with road density. The latter is especially alarming to me as an ANF neighbor.
Please do NOT rescind the roadless rule in the ANF -- or any other of our national forests.