Preserve the Roadless Rule to Protect Our National Forests

I am writing to express my deep concern over the Trump administration's plan to rescind the Roadless Rule, a crucial environmental protection measure implemented in 1999. This rule has safeguarded 58 million acres of pristine forests in our country for over two decades, and its removal would be devastating to our environment and natural resources. The administration's claim that the rule is "overly restrictive" fails to acknowledge the immense ecological value of these protected areas. These forests are vital for protecting our water sources, preserving habitats for endangered species, and serving as critical carbon sinks in our fight against climate change. The proposed rescission threatens to undo years of conservation efforts and jeopardize some of our nation's most ecologically valuable lands. It's alarming that the administration has set an unusually short 21-day public comment period for this significant decision. This rushed process undermines democratic participation and disregards the overwhelming public support for the Roadless Rule. In fact, 99% of public comments were against removing this crucial protection. The push to increase timber production from national forests by 78% in the next nine years is short-sighted and unnecessary. The timber industry already sources over 90% of its product from private lands. Opening up these pristine areas for logging and road-building would not only be environmentally destructive but also economically questionable. The Forest Service, already managing 370,000 miles of roads and facing budget and staff cuts, would struggle to maintain additional infrastructure. I urge you to stand against this harmful proposal. Protect our national forests, our water supplies, and our wildlife. Preserve the Roadless Rule and ensure that these irreplaceable natural treasures remain intact for future generations. The long-term environmental benefits far outweigh any short-term economic gains from increased timber production. Please take immediate action to oppose this rescission and maintain the integrity of our national forests.