Keep Florida’s Public Lands & National Forests Wild
The U.S. Forest Service recently announced it is seeking to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (“Roadless Rule”). Rolling back this important rule would put almost 45 million acres of federal National Forest lands that protect the health of important ecosystems and waterways at serious risk. We cannot let this happen.
For over two decades, the Roadless Rule has prohibited the construction of new roads and commercial logging in National Forest “inventoried roadless areas” that provide essential fish and wildlife habitat, protect water quality, and support valuable recreational opportunities.
In Florida, eliminating this rule would open these important public lands in the Ocala National Forest, Osceola National Forest, and Apalachicola National Forest to roads and commercial logging. Adjacent to the St. Johns, the Ocala National Forest and its roadless areas directly benefit the health of our river.
We only have until September 19th to submit comments to the USDA.
Tell the U.S. Forest Service and Department of Agriculture – Do not rescind the Roadless Rule.
Here is a sample comment you can pull from, if you wish:
I urge you not to rescind the Roadless Rule. The almost 45 million acres of roadless forests across our country are critically important for the protection of valuable fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, drinking water, and recreational opportunities.
Roadless areas filter water, provide refuge for endangered plants and animals, and support a multi-billion-dollar outdoor recreation economy.
Rolling back the Roadless Rule endangers important waterways in Florida, like the St. Johns River, Alexander Springs, and Apalachicola Bay.
Please, consider the importance of maintaining the ecological integrity of these valuable public lands and the benefits they provide by keeping the Roadless Rule intact.