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| Roadless Inventoried Areas in the Coronado National Forest |
Please oppose the 2001 roadless rescission proposal. The science behind the proposal is flawed and this really is just another step to destroying our environment, local communities, clean water, etc all for fossil fuels and big industry profits. Please comment before the comment period ends September 19th using the link below.
Below is a sample comment specifically tailored towards AZ. It is always good to personalize the comment if you can.
Subject: Comment Opposing the Proposed Rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed rescission or weakening of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule(Roadless Rule), particularly as it applies to roadless areas in Arizona’s national forests. These areas are among the last remaining intact ecosystems in our state and play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity, water quality, climate resilience, and cultural heritage.
Arizona’s approximately 1.2 million acres of roadless national forest lands—including parts of the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto National Forests—represent some of the most ecologically sensitive and scenic landscapes in the Southwest. These lands support critical habitat for imperiled species such as the Mexican spotted owl, Gila trout, and jaguar, as well as providing essential ecosystem services like water filtration for millions downstream.
The original 2001 rule was based on the most extensive public comment process in Forest Service history, receiving over 1.6 million comments—with more than 95% in favor of protecting roadless areas. There is no new compelling scientific, legal, or democratic rationale for undoing this policy. Instead, a rescission would undermine public trust and jeopardize decades of bipartisan conservation progress.
Road-building in these fragile areas would increase the risk of:
* Wildfire ignition and spread, especially in Arizona’s arid forests already suffering from drought and climate stress;
* Habitat fragmentation, leading to the decline of native wildlife populations;
* Cultural resource damage, including impacts on sacred Indigenous sites and traditional uses;
* Loss of recreational opportunities that depend on solitude and natural integrity.
The Roadless Rule does not prohibit fire prevention, forest restoration, or community safety projects—it only restricts unnecessary road construction and industrial development in the most ecologically valuable areas. Arizona communities value these lands not for extractive development but for clean water, wildlife, and quiet recreation.
I urge the Forest Service to retain the full protections of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and reject any proposal that would erode the ecological and cultural legacy of Arizona’s national forests.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Sincerely,�[Your Full Name]�[Optional: Title / Affiliation / Tribe / Organization, if applicable]
More information:
Repealing 'Roadless Rule,' Trump rolls back protections for 58M acres of forests & wildlands
Repealing 'Roadless Rule,' Trump rolls back protections for 58M acres of forests & wildlands
Stop destroying and despoiling what is left of our natural environment.
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