Save National Forests From Falling Into Disrepair

Target: United States President Joe Biden

Goal: Restore and protect national forests by funding the Legacy Roads and Trails program.

National forests are home to thousands of species, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and contain waterways that bring clean drinking water to residents all over the U.S. Unfortunately, for the past four years, there has been a concerning lack of funding to preserve and restore national forest land. Now, work on maintaining and improving forest roads, trails, and habitats has stalled, leading to natural and structural disrepair, escalating problems for fish and wildlife populations, increasing damage from environmental harm, and jeopardizing the supply of clean drinking water.

Luckily, there is already a plan in place to address these concerns—one that has a proven track record of success—all it needs is funding. The Legacy Roads and Trails program was established in 2008 and operated with increased funding and support for 10 years until 2018 when it was discontinued by Congress.

This program offers many other benefits along with restoring forest roads. It will create high-wage jobs, improve access to recreational opportunities, restore fish and wildlife habitats, and ensure that high-quality drinking water reaches the population. For these reasons, the Legacy Roads and Trails program is a vital infrastructure initiative that needs our support to receive continued funding. Sign below and advocate for the protection of our national forests.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. President,

National forests are vital to the well-being of our nation and the thousands of species, including humans, that call them home. Sadly, there has been a notable lack of funding for restoring and improving national forest land for the past four years. The Legacy Roads and Trails initiative, successful for ten years between 2008 and 2018, spearheaded programs to maintain service roads, trails, and habitats. This created high-wage jobs, protected fish and wildlife populations, improved access to outdoor recreation, minimized environmental harm, and ensured that clean, high-quality drinking water from forest land reached residents.

These many benefits have stalled for the past four years since Congress discontinued the program, leading to forest roads and trails falling into disrepair, endangering fish and wildlife populations, and jeopardizing access to clean water. As the President, we are calling on you to recommend funding for the Legacy Roads and Trails program once again and protect our national forests.

The Legacy Roads and Trails program already has a proven track record of success, all it lacks is the funding to operate. Please do your part as the leader of our nation to ensure that our national forest land and all who depend on and benefit from it will continue to thrive.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Nicole Hankey