Dear Forest Service Chief Bosworth,

Please accept this letter as official public comment for the roadless area management state petition proposal, Docket Number 04- 16191.

The original Roadless Rule provided much needed protection for our dwindling wild forest areas and all the valuable wildlife, recreation, and clean water resources found there. Your current proposal utterly fails to provide the same protection. I would also like to express my concern that under your proposed rule, you seem to be giving state governors much greater control over National Forest Roadless Areas owned in common by all Americans. This is not appropriate. For these reasons, I strongly oppose your proposal to appeal the Roadless Area Conservation Rule and replace it with a state petition process. I request that you keep the original Roadless Rule and abandon the current proposal.

Roadless Areas are a precious part of our natural heritage and as such are not the place for new roadbuilding, oil and gas development, and commercial logging. Your proposal would allow all these industrial activities in Roadless Areas unless state governors petitioned specific areas for protection. And, even if governors did submit petitions, those petitions could be denied. In other words, your proposal is not actually a Roadless Area protection rule but instead would eliminate protection for most Roadless Areas.

The original roadless rule is an important tool for protecting wildlife habitat, clean water, and backcountry hunting and recreation. In Wyoming, for example, at least 90 public water supplies get at least some portion of their water from Roadless Areas. Also in Wyoming, as much as $450 million comes into the state for “adventure tourism” that can be found primarily in wild places such as National Forest Roadless Areas. Your proposed new rule fails to provide protection for all these resources. Again, I urge you to abandon your proposed rule.

[Add your personal comments here. For example, if you live in Wyoming or other western states, briefly explain why Roadless Areas matter to you and impact your life.]

Sincerely,

[Your Signature, Name and Address.]

cc: Governor XX