Last month the U.S. Forest Service proposed a new rule that would overturn the Roadless Area Conservation Rule enacted in 2001. The 2001 rule would protect areas on our National Forests that are still wild but which aren’t protected at all from industrialization such as new roads, commercial logging, and oil and gas development. The new proposed rule would eliminate the protections provided by the 2001 rule unless state governors requested specific protections for specific areas in their states. Over 58 million acres of wild places across the country, and over 3 million acres just in Wyoming, would lose protection under the proposed rule. The Forest Service is taking public comment on the

Little Bighorn Canyon Roadless Area, Bighorn National Forest. Photo: Erik Molvar.

proposed rule right now; so your letters in support of roadless area protection are more important than ever. Comments must be received by November 14th, which means they should be postmarked by about November 9th.

Roadless Areas provide essential habitat for a host of wildlife species ranging from big game like Elk and Mule Deer to rare forest denizens such as Lynx and Wolverine. The cold, clear waters in Roadless Areas provide refuge for imperiled fish like native Cutthroat Trout. In addition to wildlife, people too find refuge in our Roadless Areas. It is to these wild, unspoiled places that citizens go for outstanding backcountry hunting, backpacking, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits, and where families venture to reconnect with each other and with nature. In many ways, it is the undeveloped places like our Forest Service Roadless Areas that define the Wild West, for residents and visitors alike. Let’s protect them for future generations—of both wildlife and people. For additional information on roadless area values, fact, and figures about Wyoming.

Once the Roadless Areas are gone, they’re gone forever. So please speak out now to demand the Forest Service stop the proposal to gut the Roadless Rule. A brief letter, mailed to the address below and put in

Clearcut on Medicine Bow National Forest. Photo: BCA.

your own words, is best. Emails are not as effective but can be used if you run out of time.

Tell the Forest Service you support the original Roadless Rule and oppose the new proposal that would strip protections from our precious wildlands. It is also helpful if you send a copy to your governor with a brief cover note. Your letters can make a huge difference for wild places like Greyback Ridge, Rock Creek, the Littlehorn, and Illinois Creek. An example letter with some key points to make is shown below. Additional useful information can be found on the web.

Content Analysis Team, Attn: Roadless State Petitions
USDA Forest Service
PO Box 221090
Salt Lake City, UT 84122-1090
Email: statepetitionroadless@fs.fed.us
Fax: 801-517-1014

Wyoming Residents, please send a copy of your letter to:
Governor Dave Freudenthal
Wyoming State Capitol, Room 124
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Email: Governor@state.wy.us
Fax: 307-632-3909

For more information, contact Jeff Kessler at 307-742-7978 or jeff@voiceforthewild.org