John Loomis  and Robert Richardson, in their 2000 publication “Economic Values of Protecting Roadless Areas in the United States,”  “found that in their current condition, the 42 million acres of roadless lands can be expected to provide almost $600 million in recreation benefits each year, more than $280 in passive use values, and nearly 24,000 jobs.”

As the Forest Service website used to say, “Inventoried roadless areas possess social and ecological values and characteristics that are becoming scarce in our Nation’s increasingly developed landscape.  Protecting air and water quality, biodiversity, and opportunities for personal renewal are highly valued qualities of roadless areas.  Conserving inventoried roadless areas leaves a legacy of natural areas for future generations.  The Roadless Area Conservation Rule limits or prohibits activities that would most negatively affect these values.”  That is sadly no longer true.

Home