We are fortunate in the Sixth District to have some of the largest areas of public forest land in the East. We have a responsibility to cherish and protect this resource.
I wrote previously about repeal of the Roadless Rule. Threats to the Travel Management Rule are even more serious. Building a road where none exists requires time, effort, and money. Opening roads can be accomplished with the stroke of a pen and the turn of a key.
ICYMI
Currently National Forest roads are closed by default, unless specifically opened. Some roads are normally closed but open for hunting seasons. Others are always closed to prevent erosion or to protect sensitive habitat.
Republicans want to make all roads open, and to build more roads in roadless areas. This is a really bad idea. The Forest Service is already $8 billion of our tax dollars behind on maintenance of existing roads.
More roads mean even greater maintenance costs. In addition, more wildfires occur close to roads. Invasive non-native plants, such as Japanese stiltgrass, spread readily along road corridors.
Republicans pushed this rule change through with the minimum allowable period for public comment, and unfortunately the deadline has passed. Reversing the process would require a lawsuit, or action by Congress.
Ben Cline’s staff promised to pass on my comments about National Forest roads, but the congressman has not responded.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a representative who would listen to voters and respond to our concerns?
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