Trump administration moves to end rule protecting swaths of forest land
Summary
The USDA has proposed ending the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which currently restricts road building and logging on nearly 45 million acres of national forest. The proposal aims to help reduce wildfire risk by allowing local forest managers more control over the land. Environmental groups oppose the change, fearing it will increase wildfires and harm wildlife habitats.Key Facts
- The 2001 Roadless Rule bans road construction and logging on about 45 million acres of national forest land.
- USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins supports removing the rule to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk.
- The Trump administration and some Republican leaders believe local control will help firefighters access wildfires more easily.
- There are already roads near many roadless areas; about half are within 1 mile of an existing road.
- Environmental groups warn that building roads could increase the chance of human-caused wildfires.
- Roadless forests provide habitats for animals like jaguars, owls, and ocelots.
- The US has had a severe wildfire season, with 7.3 million acres burned in about 49,000 fires so far in 2024.
- Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until September 21, 2024.
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