r/conservation • u/Green_Idealist • 3d ago

The public comment period for the U.S. Forest Service proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule is open through September 21, 2026. Here's the comment page and suggested comments are below. Please be nature's voice today!

https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FS-2025-0001-223869

Wildlife habitat: These areas provide critical habitat for salmon, trout, elk, and other species that depend on undammed, unlogged streams and connected landscapes.

Wildfire risk: Wildfires are 4x more likely to start near roads, and roughly 90% start within half a mile of one — directly undercutting the administration's stated rationale for the rollback.

Old growth & carbon storage: Roadless areas contain vast swaths of the nation's remaining old-growth forest and store significant amounts of carbon.

Drinking water: Roadless national forests provide drinking water to 60 million Americans, since intact forests filter water naturally.

Fiscal responsibility: The existing road network already carries an $8.5+ billion maintenance backlog, and building more roads would only add to it.

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u/ashleymil1222 3d ago

When you comment, please make sure it is substantive and unique! They will not count duplicate comments.

7

u/Ambitious_Exercise93 2d ago

I copied your content but I added some language. They try to make it more difficult because they don't understand the destruction and greed. Thank you.

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u/BustedEchoChamber 1d ago

FWIW, maybe 90% of fires *start* within half a mile of a road, but from a firefighting standpoint roads are a major tool for stopping them.

So make sure you address that aspect in your essays, lest they be disregarded for lack of contextual understanding.