I oppose the proposal to fully or partially rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule and urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture to adopt the “No Action” alternative.
I am an avid user of our National Forests and a registered Trail Steward in Coconino County, Arizona of the Arizona Trail. The Arizona Trail is a National Scenic Trail that runs the length of the state of Arizona.
Our undeveloped public lands are among our nations most valuable natural resources. The Roadless areas provide recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat and protect our watersheds. Once we develop these spaces, we can never get them back.
The Arizona Trail specifically crosses areas throughout the state that would be affected by any change the Roadless rules. Area's of the Coronado National Forest near Tucson would be directly impacted and damaged. Our national lands should be managed for long-term public interest instead of short-term business opportunities.
Fully or partially rescinding the Road Rule under Alternative 2 and 3 would be a mistake that will hurt every generation to come. I oppose the proposal to rescind or alter the Roadless Rule and support Alternative 1, the No Action Alternative.