1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to express my strong opposition to H.R. 7695. This bill would nullify the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and prohibit the USDA from issuing any substantially similar protections in the future. It would also mandate new road construction across National Forest System lands. For northern Minnesota, this is not an abstract policy debate. The Roadless Rule has been a critical safeguard for the health of our forests, watersheds, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation economy. It has helped preserve the character of places that Minnesotans rely on for clean water, hunting, fishing, and tourism. Undoing these protections would open the door to fragmentation of forest habitat, increased erosion, and long‑term damage to the natural resources that define our region. I am especially concerned that H.R. 7695 would force the Forest Service to build roads even when they are not ecologically appropriate or cost‑effective. Road construction and maintenance already strain agency budgets, and expanding the road network would only deepen that burden while increasing wildfire risk and degrading water quality. Given these impacts, I respectfully urge you not only to oppose H.R. 7695 but also to withdraw your name as a co‑sponsor. Supporting this bill sends the wrong message to the communities that depend on healthy, intact forests and the long‑term stability of our outdoor recreation economy. Removing your co‑sponsorship would demonstrate a commitment to responsible stewardship and to the values Minnesotans consistently express regarding our public lands. Minnesotans value policies that strengthen forest resilience, protect watersheds, and support sustainable recreation—not legislation that weakens long‑standing conservation safeguards. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.