The Importance of the Roadless Rule to Californians and the Environment: We areTruly at the Fork in the Road

The U.S. Forest Service additionally received comments via fax, mail, and electronic mail. By the close of the comment period, the agency had received more than one million public comments on the 2001 Roadless Rule. During the public comment period Californians overwhelmingly supported protection of IRAs. More than 140,000 Californians filed comments with the U.S. Forest Service, of which approximately 136,000 supported full protection of roadless areas in California’s national forests.

Roadless areas are typically characterized by high quality and undisturbed water, air and soil upon which humans, flora, and fauna depend. Ecological diversity abounds and flourishes in roadless areas as the absence of roads and road-related disturbances allows species to thrive. High quality water flowing from roadless lands supplies drinking water and reduces water filtration costs for dozens of communities throughout the state. Research shows that forests play a critical role in safeguarding streams from contamination by processing organic matter and pollutants. Air and water filtration, climate regulation, maintenance of biodiversity, and scenic beauty are just a few of the benefits provided by protecting our national forests.

In the coming years, California will face the challenge of dramatic population growth that is expected to add 12 million people to the state by 2030. Accompanying that population growth will be tremendous pressure to encroach upon undeveloped lands. Once those lands are gone, they can’t be reclaimed. Therefore, California is at a critical juncture and it is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively in order to permanently preserve roadless areas before it is too late.

These vital and vibrant parts of California’s landscape are important for Californians’ health, recreation and general enjoyment. The ability to enjoy natural places has long been a central component to the high quality of life for the citizens of California.

Roadless areas are also economically important – tourism is an expanding industry in California and the income generated by residents and travelers helps to diversify and stabilize rural economies. The roadless areas in California’s national forests draw visitors from far and wide to enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities. The tourism industry is a major employer of Californians and contributes greatly to the gross state product.

California has long recognized the importance of forest lands and the need to discourage further expansion into forested areas, which can be triggered by providing additional road access.

It is in the best interest of the people of California to provide protection of these IRAs for current and future generations. Mishandling of roadless areas can jeopardize the economic and ecological values, as well as the intrinsic values they provide; like the look of awe in a child’s face when they first see an unspoiled forest meadow. These are things we can’t put a price on.

For all of these reasons it is essential that we continue to put pressure on the President and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to heed California’s wishes and protect all 4.4 million acres of Inventoried Roadless Areas within our national forests. Future generations should be able to enjoy our natural resources just as we have.

Lloyd Levine is Chair of the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee

For more about the Roadless Rule and its importance in California, see our previous article.