We will examine alternatives that limit or eliminate certain activities in inventoried roadless areas such as road construction. The proposal will also establish a process for identifying the social and ecological values that make roadless areas of all sizes important and unique. The final rule is expected in late 2000. By addressing forest fragmentation and the loss of open space, this initiative responds to public desires concerning the conservation and use of National Forests. Clean water, biological diversity, wildlife and fish habitat, and the dispersed recreation opportunities found within roadless areas are precious resources to us all.
Roads can leave indelible marks on the land.
Poorly maintained roads can contribute to erosion, landslides, and slope failure. Road construction may allow the entry of exotic and noxious species, increased person-caused fires, disrupted habitat connectivity, and otherwise compromise the attributes that make roadless areas socially and ecologically important. The need to address the issue of roadless areas is also compelled by the fact that the Forest Service lacks the required resources to manage its existing road system. We cannot afford to take care of our 380,000 mile road system. We receive only about 20 percent of the funding needed to maintain our roads to safety and environmental standards.