US Forest Service Proposes Change to Roadless Rule

On Tuesday, the U.S. Forest Service put forward a proposal to eliminate a 25-year-old rule designed to restrict development on 44 million acres, which is nearly one-third of the National Forest System. This announcement comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA described the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule as a frustrating “one-size-fits-all restriction” for land managers, claiming it impeded efforts to manage wildfire risks effectively.

“For too long, outdated regulations have restricted access to millions of acres of forests, preventing necessary treatments that could enhance forest health and lessen wildfire risks for nearby communities,” stated Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. “With this proposal, we aim to empower local forest managers—those who best understand the land—and eliminate the obstacles that have hindered them from addressing the needs of the forests. It’s time to move on from the ineffective roadless rule and rejuvenate our forests,” she added.

While many USDA officials view this shift as “common sense” and “needed,” organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) have criticized it. They pointed to a 2025 poll indicating that 76 percent of likely voters supported the rule, which protects land from activities like road construction and commercial logging.

Andrew Wetzler, NRDC’s senior vice president for nature, expressed concern, stating, “The Trump administration is allowing loggers and drillers to destroy one of our most cherished national forests. This goes against the most effective land protection policy in modern U.S. history.” He believes the American people will not accept these changes.

Gabriela Hoffman, director of Independent Women’s Energy and Conservation Center, commented on the necessity for more nuanced discussions about the repeal. She highlighted that forests are multi-purpose and can accommodate both commercial and recreational use. “The agency has clarified it won’t force logging or road construction but will let local managers make decisions,” she noted.

Hoffman also criticized the Trump administration for implying it would restrict access to forests, especially since the Biden administration previously enacted closures on public lands. She suggested Congress needs to take a more direct role in addressing these regulations to minimize the frequent modifications and uncertainty.

Supporters of the proposal like Republican governors Greg Gianforte of Montana and Spencer Cox of Utah shared their views, emphasizing that the tweaks would enable better forest management for local benefit. “For 25 years, the Roadless Rule has constrained local land managers with a generic federal policy. Repealing it will offer the flexibility needed to cater to the forests’ needs,” said Cox. “By planning ahead, we can protect the landscapes we cherish for future generations,” he added.

Critics have also targeted the Trump administration for perceived conservation compromises that favor private interests. Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection faced scrutiny after announcing plans to build “limited” infrastructure in Big Bend National Park aimed at curbing illegal border crossings. In a similar vein, U.S. duck hunters responded negatively to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s public review of a proposal to introduce drainage pipes in a federally protected prairie wetland, vital for duck breeding.

A 30-day window for public comment is now open; feedback will be considered before any final revisions are made.