Comment from Collins, Craig

I am strongly opposed to the current revision to policy proposed by the Fish and Wildlife service, and any other revision to FWS Part 610: “Part 610 of the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual, Wilderness Stewardship” that will weaken protection for wilderness areas, areas with wilderness characteristics, or land that has been recommended, proposed, or eligible for wilderness designation. Once roads and logging are admitted into these places, the wilderness character is destroyed forever. The Fish and Wildlife Service hasn’t provided any sensible reason for reversing decades of established protections. Making such substantial changes without a documented basis and against the clear weight of public objection is unacceptable. Please continue to keep these wilderness areas wild for the benefit of all Americans both now and in the future. We need these lands not just for their scenic beauty or for recreation, but because they contain precious ecosystems. All of life is connected and interrelated. Damaging these areas and the wildlife there, eventually hurts us and our planet. They also help to keep our planet cooler and healthier. Climate change is real, and we need these areas. Thank you for your consideration.