Black bears and other wildlife depend on wild, undisturbed places to survive.
Roadbuilding and industrial development degrade these important areas and threaten wildlife and clean drinking water. For more than two decades, the Roadless Conservation Area Rule has helped safeguard wildlife and water.
Please tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture to keep the Roadless Rule to safeguard black bears, elk, salmon, trout, and other wildlife.
Subject: Safeguard wildlife from roads, industrial development
Dear Secretary Rollins and Chief Schultz,
I'm writing asking you not to repeal the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. For more than two decades, this important policy has safeguarded 58 million acres of irreplaceable habitat for big game and cold-water fish species, guaranteed fresh water to tens of millions of Americans, and protected Indigenous areas that provide subsistence hunting and gathering of food.
The richness of our nation's ecosystems are a critical part of our national heritage and the Forest Service has a responsibility to ensure that future generations will enjoy the iconic species of our nation's forests and grasslands. Nearly 450 threatened and endangered species depend on roadless areas for their survival.
In addition, our national forest system provides drinking water to nearly 90% of the people served by public water systems in the West and provides the water to farmers in California and Arizona who grow 90% of the winter vegetables consumed in the nation. Roads increase sediment and runoff that destroy watersheds.
The Roadless Rule also supports areas that are important for Indigenous ceremonies and food gathering. Tribal treaty rights must be centered and upheld in any revision of the 2001 Roadless Rule.
In short, there is simply no reason for a wholesale repeal of this foundational conservation policy.
Sincerely,
[Name]
