By Blessing Nweke
The Trump administration has moved to rescind a decades-old federal rule that restricts logging, road construction and other development across millions of acres of undeveloped national forest land.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday that the Forest Service has proposed repealing the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The regulation has protected tens of millions of acres of national forests from development, with current estimates putting the affected land at nearly 45 million acres.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said ending the rule would give local forest managers greater flexibility to address wildfire risks, insect infestations and disease. The administration argues that a national restriction is too rigid and prevents managers from taking actions needed to improve forest health and reduce fire threats.
Environmental groups strongly oppose the proposal, warning that removing the protections could expose pristine forests to increased logging and road construction. Conservationists say the affected areas provide important habitat for wildlife, protect watersheds and support outdoor recreation. They also argue that roads can increase human activity and wildfire risks rather than reduce them.
The proposed rollback could affect forests in several Western states, including major areas of Alaska, California and Montana. The Tongass National Forest in Alaska is among the areas that could face significant changes.
The USDA is accepting public comments on the proposal through September 21. Environmental organizations have indicated that they may challenge the administration’s decision in court if the rule is finalized.
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