US EditionTrump administration presses rollback of 'Roadless Rule' on wild lands
The USDA claims rescinding the rule will enhance local control, boost timber production, and improve wildfire management on 45 million acres of national forest land.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday launched a formal process to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, with the Forest Service publishing a notice in the Federal Register on Friday and opening a public comment period through Sept. 19.
- Earlier this year, President Donald Trump issued an order lifting the road ban; the administration says ending the Roadless Rule will restore local control and aid wildfire suppression.
- Nationwide, the rollback would apply to 45 million acres of inventoried roadless areas, about 75% of such lands, while researchers note most ignitions occur near roads and the U.S. Forest Service suppresses 98% on initial attack.
- The USDA set a three-week comment period starting Friday, which critics say is too short; Alaska Native communities and the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council oppose the repeal, while Rep. Nick Begich supports expanding logging.
- Lawmakers reintroduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act this summer to lock in protections, while environmental groups argue the rollback prioritizes timber over conservation and Earthjustice prepares for legal challenges.
77 Articles
77 Articles
Pine Journal
USDA proposal to repeal Roadless Rule on national forest lands draws contrasting views
WASHINGTON – Conservation groups are criticizing a federal proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule on federal lands, but a member of North Dakota’s congressional delegation says the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to repeal the rule will ensure North Dakota ranchers and energy producers have better access to USDA-managed lands. The proposal would impact about 45 million acres of national forest land across 37 states, i…
The Trump Administration Is Trying to Revoke the ‘Roadless Rule.’ The Public Won’t Have Much Time to Weigh In - Inside Climate News
The rule protecting remote wilderness areas received 1.6 million public comments when it was developed. People will have just 14 business days to comment on a key part of its rescission.By Sarah MattalianThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is giving the public just three weeks to weigh in on a key step of its attempt to scrap the Roadless Rule, which protects almost 59 million acres of forest land from road construction and timber harvesting.
Public comment period open for ending 'Roadless Rule'
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The USDA is now seeking public comment on its effort to end the so-called Roadless Rule. The rule, which went into effect in 2001, bars new road construction and timber harvesting on nearly 60 million acres of forest land. Forest road rule in New Mexico faces potential change AG Secretary Brooke Rollins says the rule blocks thinning efforts that prevent wildfires. But environmental advocates argue it protects the wilder…
Trump Admin Moves to Scrap Forests Roadless Rule
The Trump administration this week opened a public comment period on rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, a move it says will help better manage national forest lands and bolster wildfire suppression. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement Wednesday. "We are one step closer to common sense management of our national forest lands. Today marks a critical step forward in President [Donald] Trump's commitment to restoring local dec…
Montana Standard
Public comment sought on Trump's plan to scrap 'roadless rule' on National Forest lands
The rule, established in 2001, allows the federal government to designate “inventoried roadless areas” within the National Forest System. Those lands typically have little to no history of human development.
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