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Buncombe County adopts resolution supporting 2001 US Forest Service roadless rule
Summary
Following widespread public comment in support, the Board adopted a resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of the 2001 roadless rule and urging retention of protections for inventoried roadless areas that local speakers said protect biodiversity, tourism and watershed health.
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution April 21 recognizing the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Forest Service’s 2001 roadless rule and expressing local support for protections that limit logging and road building in inventoried roadless areas.
Multiple public commenters — including representatives from the Sierra Club, Mountain True, local conservation organizations and residents — urged the board to back the rule. David Reid, a Sierra Club volunteer, cited the Kraggy Mountains roadless area and described roadless protections as important for biodiversity and recreation. “These lands are incredibly valuable pieces of the puzzle for their biodiversity, hunting and fishing, and other backcountry recreational opportunities,” he said.
Speakers also highlighted local watershed connections and tourist value. Josh Kelly of Mountain True described roadless areas upstream of Asheville and said the Mills River watershed provides water‑supply benefits to Buncombe County. Several commenters referenced a long federal public‑comment record supporting the rule.
Commissioner Ball moved the roadless‑rule recognition resolution; the board adopted it by voice vote.
What happens next: The resolution is advisory and expresses the county’s policy preference; it does not change federal rulemaking, which remains in the U.S. Forest Service’s jurisdiction.
