US Moves to Repeal 25-Year Forest Roadless Rule
The proposal would shift decisions to local forest managers and could open about 44 million acres to road construction and logging, officials said.
- On Tuesday, the Trump administration proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, a move that would open nearly 45 million acres of national forest to road construction, logging, and other development across 37 states.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the proposal restores authority to local forest managers, arguing that removing outdated restrictions will improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk to communities.
- Environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council argue the rescission increases wildfire risk, citing studies showing human-caused ignitions are four times more likely in areas with roads than roadless forests.
- Forests currently provide drinking water to 180 million Americans, and critics warn that development could degrade watersheds while harming local economies relying on recreation spots like the Appalachian Trail.
- The Agriculture Department opened a 30-day public comment period ending September 21, as the timber industry seeks to develop projects on millions of acres of old-growth trees previously protected from commercial logging.
197 Articles
197 Articles
Trump administration moves ahead to end roadless rule on national forests, including Oregon
The Trump administration announced Tuesday it is moving ahead with plans to rescind a quarter-century-old rule that blocked logging, road building and other development on national forest lands.
Fate Of 3.3 Million Acres Of Roadless Areas In Wyoming About To Be Decided
The 2001 Clinton-era Roadless Rule could soon end, opening 3.3 million acres of national forests in Wyoming for road construction. Harriet Hageman calls the rule a disaster, while roadless supporters say it protects prime hunting, fishing and tourism.
Forest Service files proposal to rescind the roadless rule on more than 44 million acres
Your gift is being matched, dollar for dollar. A member of our board is matching contributions to our summer drive up to $2,000, until the drive ends on 24 August. Give now.The rule's own text puts the 2001 protections at 58.5 million acres, and comments close at midnight on September 21.
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