Making Strides
It was a big week in post-mastectomy healing. I was cleared to begin PT stretches that allow me to raise my hand above my head. That means I can finally reach whatever coffee mug I want, wash my own hair - and even brush it. I also met with the radiologist and was given the okay not to pursue any additional radiation treatments. And I gave my first public address post-surgery. It wasn’t a full-on keynote (that comes next week), but I was able to stand behind a mic and voice my opposition to the proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule.
Roadless Rule
What is the Roadless Rule? I’m so glad you asked—because, frankly, I had no idea what it was until recently, when one of my conservation heroes, Josh Kelly at MountainTrue, reached out to sound the alarm. In his words, “The Roadless Rule is the most important environmental regulation that no one has heard of. It protects 58 million acres nationwide and 152,000 acres in Western North Carolina.”
When I started doing my own research, I found—unsurprisingly—a mixed bag of opinions, along with pros and cons concerning its repeal. What I came to understand is that the Roadless Rule was enacted in 2001 under the Clinton Administration to protect and conserve over 58.5 million acres of Forest Service land (approximately 30% of National Forest acreage) from road building, timber harvesting, and mining.
Proponents of the repeal argue that more roads mean additional access for harvesting natural resources, better management, and improved wildfire mitigation. Suggesting that with proper oversight and addtional access can help remove invasive species (such as the hemlock woolly adelgid) and diseases (like the chestnut blight) and improve forest health. And noting that an increase in roadways allow opportunities to clear forest debris and create barriers to help mitigate and maintain wildfires.
Opponents argue that more roads actually increase the risk of wildfire (most are human-caused) and cause irreparable harm that cannot be offset by current management practices. Additionally, roughly 90% of timber production in the U.S. already comes from private forests. And, if the Forest Service already has approximately 100 million acres available for harvest that offer renewable resource and are not fully utilized for productive, why is additional access necessary?
Just as I didn’t simply accept Josh’s opinion without question, I encourage you not to take my perspective as truth. Take the time to research this issue and develop your own view based on facts, experience, and values.
Time to Decide
When it came time for me to form my opinion, I considered the following:
• I love the U.S. Forest Service and have many friends who work for the agency. It’s clear that—through no fault of their own—they do not currently have the resources to adequately manage the land that is already accessible by road and open to timber harvesting.
• I’ve covered a lot of ground—a lot—and I can think of very few places where increased access has been a net positive for the existing ecosystem.
• Cuts can heal, but they cannot be undone. With such a small percentage of our landscape still resembling its natural state, it becomes even more important to preserve those places in perpetuity and protect our water sources and the natural air filtration forests provide.
Official Statement
Here is the public statement I shared, which will become part of the official Administrative Record for the USDA Forest Service:
My name is Jennifer Pharr Davis. I am a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year who has served on the President’s Council for Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and I am here to say that repealing the Roadless Rule is the definition of government overreach and will cause irreparable harm.
Take it from someone who has totaled her car by crashing into a bear—roads disrupt habitat, displace wildlife, and disturb ecosystems.
Take it from someone who had a double mastectomy two weeks ago—cuts hurt, they leave scars, and the landscape, even when healed, will never be the same.
Yes, I hear the argument that building roads through protected landscapes will improve management and wildfire mitigation. But take it from someone who has spent more than 20 years working on and exploring federal lands: the potential benefits of roads are outweighed by the harmful impacts of human disturbance, resource extraction, and the spread of invasive species.
Not to mention that protecting these habitats provides more direct and long-lasting benefits—clean headwaters, carbon storage, and healthy ecosystems—than roads ever will.
We, as humans—even well-intentioned humans—and our federal government have not shown ourselves capable of responsibly penetrating environments that are demonstrably better off without us. Stop the overreach. Stop the intrusion. Uphold the Roadless Rule—for our forests and for our future. Thank you.
What can you do?
Awareness, education, and engagement are essential when it comes to public issues. Even if we hold different views, I’d be interested to hear your perspective and encourage you to get involved. For those who want to learn more or take action:
- Search your region for local events and listening sessions that include opportunities for public comment.
- Submit comments by mail to: Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, 201 13th St SW, Mailstop 1108, Washington, DC 20250-1124 (be sure to reference docket number FS-2025-0001).
- Reach out to your congressional representatives or submit an online comment.
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About the Author: Jennifer is an Adventurer, Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur and mom of two who has a Masters in Public Affairs and a husband that plays bluegrass. Her blog focuses on life as she experiences it with a focus on Outdoor Adventure, Business, Public Affairs, Family, and Faith. For information on booking Jennifer as a speaker for your next event, email brew@jenniferpharrdavis.com or call (615) 708-4301.
