The Roadless Rule comment period is now open!

The time is now! The Roadless Rule, which protects 58.5 million acres of undeveloped National Forest lands from industrial-scale logging and road construction, is under attack. We need you to use your voice to speak out for our forests. 

The comment period is open now, August 20th until September 21st – that means we only have 33 days to make our voices heard, unlike in 2001 where public outreach lasted well over a year. Public comments are being accepted virtually, by postcard or handwritten letter. Follow the guidelines below to make your comment and let the Forest Service know we deserve the opportunity to advocate for what happens with our public lands.

Here’s what you need to know
Handwritten comments and postcards must be mailed to the address below.

Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination
201 14th Street SW, Mailstop 1108
Washington, DC 20250-1124

The deadline to speak up is September 21st at 11:59pm

How to make a compelling comment:

• Make it personal – Talk about your connection to the area and why it matters
  • Find your roadless area here
• Keep it concise – Be direct, mention the Roadless Rule and its benefits to you personally and to your community 
• Quote facts – Talk about your concerns backed by research
• Need help drafting a comment? Here is a tool that can help.

Comment template:

To the U.S. Forest Service:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to any efforts to rescind, weaken, or roll back the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. As an avid user and advocate for our nation’s public lands, I rely heavily on the integrity and protection of our inventoried roadless areas. I frequently visit the [Insert a specific roadless area here, e.g., Linville Gorge] near my home in _________. Protecting these unfragmented landscapes is deeply personal to me because [Insert your specific reason, e.g., I depend on these watersheds for clean drinking water, I hike the backcountry trails, or I value the pristine wildlife habitats]. I urge the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to abandon the proposed rescission and instead maintain full protections for all currently designated inventoried roadless areas.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Thank you for standing up for our forests, and for your passion to protect our public lands.

Sincerely, 

Donovan Green
Resilient Forest Organizer