The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Monday that it will revoke a long-standing rule designed to protect 58.5 million acres of national forest land from road construction and logging. This decision affects about 30% of the nation’s national forests, which have been safeguarded under the 2001 Roadless Rule.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized the rule as outdated and too restrictive. She stated that the change would allow for better management of forests, particularly for reducing wildfire risks and increasing timber production. Rollins emphasized that managing these lands properly is essential for preventing devastating fires and ensuring future generations can enjoy the forests.
Environmental groups quickly condemned the USDA’s decision. Vera Smith from Defenders of Wildlife expressed concern, stating that the removal of protections could harm wildlife habitats and water sources. Josh Hicks from the Wilderness Society noted that the Roadless Rule has been successful in shielding forests from harmful activities like mining and logging for nearly 25 years. He argued that revoking it would threaten air and water quality, recreational opportunities, and wildlife.
The USDA’s announcement comes at a time when wildfires are a significant concern, especially in states like California. Rollins pointed out that nearly half of the land covered by the Roadless Rule is in high-risk wildfire areas. However, critics argue that logging does not effectively reduce fire risks and can sometimes worsen the situation by increasing climate change impacts.
Opponents of the decision, including Rachael Hamby from the Center for Western Priorities, argue that allowing logging under the guise of wildfire prevention is misleading. They believe that this move primarily benefits timber companies at the expense of public lands.
This policy shift aligns with recent executive orders from President Trump aimed at expanding logging, mining, and drilling on public lands. In April, Trump directed the opening of over 112 million acres of national forests to industrial logging, impacting all of California’s national forests.
The administration claims these actions will eliminate barriers for businesses and boost domestic timber supplies. However, many Americans are concerned about the potential consequences for their forests and public lands. Chris Wood, who helped create the Roadless Rule, called it one of the most significant conservation achievements in U.S. history. He hopes the administration will reconsider its decision.