On Aug. 18, the Trump administration announced yet another effort to dismantle our public lands with a new proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which safeguards nearly 45 million acres of backcountry across U.S. national forests. Here in the Sky Islands, that would be a devastating reversal for the Coronado National Forest and beloved wilderness areas, from the Chiricahuas and Pinaleños to the Huachucas, Rincons, Santa Ritas, Catalinas, and Galiuros.
These roadless areas provide numerous benefits not to be taken for granted — clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. But they’re now at risk, with this rule being the first step in opening them up to development.
The rule’s backers say it’ll help manage wildfires, but fires are actually four times more likely in areas with roads than without. For 25 years, this rule has helped make these forests what they are today: places of refuge. Let’s keep it that way.
Using the form below, urge the Forest Service to choose the no-action alternative in its proposal and keep these public lands and the rule intact. We recommend you add something specific to your draft comment about a wilderness area that you have a personal connection with and/or a trail, species, or body of water that you want protected.
Comments will be accepted until Sept. 21.
