The US Department of Agriculture is proposing to repeal the Roadless Rule, which has protected nearly 58 million acres of national forest lands in the country since 2001.
Roadless public lands are critical for providing clean drinking water, healthy fish and wildlife habitat, and world-class recreational opportunities. In Montana, public water supplies for East Helena, Helena (Tenmile Creek) , Bozeman (Hyalite and Sourdough Creek), Butte, and Great Falls all rely on roadless public lands.
Why do roadless protections matter for your drinking water?
In short, more roads = more pollution. Roads increase erosion and sediment loading in surface waters, and can also increase oil and fuel pollution. Forest soils act as a natural filter, but the increase in roads and ditches mean contaminated waters can flow directly into surface waters without filtration. The dirtier the water, the more expensive it then is to treat for drinking water purposes, which then raises the costs for ratepayers. Protecting roadless areas benefits all of us that rely on clean drinking water from our taps, value thriving fish and wildlife, and enjoy our remote public lands.
What can you do about it?
- Submit a public comment opposing the Roadless Rule repeal before the deadline on September 19.
- Tell your members of Congress to oppose rescinding the Roadless Rule and to defend Montana’s roadless headwaters.