Despite a public outcry, Agriculture Secretary Rollins is proceeding with her plans to repeal the Roadless Area Conservation Rule — putting 45 million acres of pristine forests at risk of logging and development. Once these forests are developed, there's no undo button.
Protected roadless forests are among the nation’s most important and most visited public lands. They safeguard river headwaters that provide drinking water for millions, preserve wildlife habitat for hundreds of species and provide the freedom to explore popular recreation spaces like the Appalachian Trail. Many roadless forests, like parts of the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, are also critical to the livelihood and culture of Indigenous communities.
The U.S. Forest Service’s Roadless Area Conservation Rule has been in place with bipartisan support for 25 years. Repealing it will only allow reckless logging and unchecked development to irreversibly damage these special places — degrading critical habitat, rivers and beloved recreation areas in the process.
Once these forests are developed, they’re forever changed. We must ensure these forests remain protected now so future generations can enjoy the same wild places, healthy ecosystems and outdoor traditions we have today.
Thank you for standing up for our public lands.
Sincerely,
No comments:
Post a Comment