Trump Administration Proposes Rescinding 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule

The United States Department of Agriculture has filed a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which prohibits road construction and logging on nearly 45 million acres of national forest land. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the move will return authority to local forest managers who know the land best. The administration and Republican lawmakers argue that removing these restrictions will mitigate wildfire risk by allowing for forest health treatments and improving access for firefighters. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte supported the move, stating that federal restrictions have hindered the state's ability to manage wildfire risk.

Environmental groups and conservationists oppose the proposal, arguing that it will open old growth forests to industrial development, drilling, and logging. The Sierra Club and the Center for Biological Diversity stated that roadless forests provide critical wildlife habitats and that building roads actually increases the risk of human caused wildfires. The Natural Resources Defense Council and the Alaska Wilderness League highlighted the potential impact on iconic lands, including the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.

Outlets with a center left lean framed the event as a threat to old growth forests and wildlife habitats. Outlets with a center right lean framed the event as a move to open land for logging and development. The public has until September 21 to provide comments on the proposed rule change.