And it will improve, not take away from, existing recreation opportunities on public lands. Second, our recreation policy. The single objective that unites our approach to roads, roadless areas, and recreation is that we are seeking to assure the American people access to the lands they so love in a manner that conserves the long-term health of the land. We need our forest roads. People need a sound road system to reach their favorite outdoor spots.
Forest roads provide the backbone of many rural transportation systems.
Our local communities need recreational use to support local transportation, access for multiple use management, and jobs. Just as importantly, we need our roads so we can treat and restore our watersheds and ecosystems. Make no mistake, we need our forest roads. Our roads policy is about working together with local communities, communities of interest and communities of place, to focus on the road system of the future rather than fighting over the crumbling road system of the past. Today, however, our road system is nearly complete.