Key facts
- The Trump administration has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
- The rule protects approximately 45 million acres of national forest land from logging, road building, and mining.
- The U.S. Forest Service filed the proposal, stating the rule hinders forest health and wildfire risk reduction.
- Environmental groups argue the rescission will harm forests, wildlife, and water supplies.
- The public comment period for the proposed rule change closes on September 21.
The Trump administration announced its intention to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a move that would lift protections against logging, road construction, and mining on approximately 45 million acres of national forest land. The U.S. Forest Service filed the proposal, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stating the goal is to restore authority to local forest managers and address wildfire risks by improving forest health. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), strongly oppose the rescission, arguing it will harm old-growth forests, wildlife, and water supplies, and potentially increase wildfire threats. They contend that the rule is essential for preserving wild lands and are urging the public to submit comments before the September 21 deadline.
The administration argues that outdated restrictions have prevented necessary forest treatments, increasing wildfire risk. Tom Schultz, Forest Service chief, noted that over 40% of inventoried roadless areas have high wildfire hazard potential and have received minimal hazardous fuels reduction treatments. However, environmentalists dispute this, stating that roads can lead to more ignitions and that the rule has always allowed for targeted fuel reduction, not industrial exploitation.