PROTECT AMERICA'S ROADLESS FORESTS

For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has protected 58.5 million acres of America's wildest forests, California alone holds 4.4 million acres of roadless forest. Now, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has officially announced plans to rescind these protections, threatening 45 million acres of roadless areas nationwide.

What's at Stake Nationwide:

  • Wildfire Safety: Scientific research shows 95% of human-caused fires start within half a mile of roads and are 4 times more likely near roads than in roadless areas. Eliminating roadless protections dramatically increases fire risk.
  • Clean Water: Roadless areas protect watersheds that supply drinking water to 60 million Americans.
  • Wildlife Habitat: 57% of America's most vulnerable species depend on roadless areas for survival.
  • Recreation: 156 million Americans visit national forests annually, many seeking the backcountry experience these areas provide.
  • Cultural Resources: Sacred sites and traditional use areas important to local Tribal Nations.

Local Impact: Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument


Throughout Mendocino National Forest, 154,332 acres of Raodless Areas would lose protection, including nearly 30,000 acres within Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. In addition, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is surrounded by designated roadless areas on three sides. If the roadless rule is rescinded, roads could be built right up to the monument boundaries and may divide hiking trails within the monument with new roads. This poses a serious fire threat: scientific research shows that 88% of wildfires are human-caused, and wildfire ignitions are 4 times more likely near roads than in roadless areas.

TAKE ACTION NOW

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Comment Period is Closed

Time is running out! Submit your comments supporting the Roadless Rule immediately. Comment period ends September 21st!


Sign on to Tuleyome's letter below or draft your personalized comments and submit to Secretary Rollins on the Federal Register.


For more information on how to participate in the public comment process, contact Tuleyome Executive Director Sandra Schubert.


Sample Grassroots Letter

Dear Secretary Rollins:



The Roadless Area Conservation Rule should not be rescinded. The Rule should be kept in place so that these areas can continue to provide the following benefits to the American public. The 45 million acres of remote, wild and roadless forests across our country are the few pockets of unbroken forest where nature can flourish undisturbed. The longer that are left alone and the longer that trees are left to grow, the more time a fully-fledged, interconnected forest ecosystem has to develop with all of its beauty and benefits.


Our national forests are critical for our drinking water. They are the headwaters of many of our great rivers and one of the largest sources of municipal water supply in the nation, serving over 60 million people in 3,400 communities in 33 states.


Roadless areas provide vital habitat and migration corridors for species. They include diverse forests, wetlands, canyons and other undeveloped lands that are critical to our nation's ecological health. Roadless areas help ensure that migratory game corridors for species such as Tule elk and remain intact and protected from roads and the industrial development roads enable. 


These spaces are important to many indigenous communities, providing critical to food security and sustaining cultural practices, including hunting, fishing, and gathering forest plants for food, medicine, and traditional arts and ceremonies.


Roadless areas are important for outdoor recreation, which generates $730 billion annually, offering offer abundant outdoor recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping and other activities. Every year, millions of people take advantage of the free (or extremely affordable) access to these public lands.


Rolling back the Roadless Rule will not protect communities from wildfire and may in fact lead to more wildfires. Scientific research shows that 88% of fires are caused by humans, and 95% of human-caused wildfires start within half a mile of a road. Wildfire ignitions are 4 times more likely near roads than in roadless areas. Roadless areas serve as critical buffers that reduce fire ignition points and help protect surrounding communities.


We as the American people, want our forests protected and preserved. It is imperative that we keep our national forests wild and road free. Do not rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.


Sincerely, 

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