Dismantling the Roadless Rule threatens to disrupt wildlife and water in US
Summary
The Trump administration plans to undo the 2001 Roadless Rule, which banned road building and logging on millions of acres of US national forests to protect wildlife and water. The rule mostly covers forest areas in the western US and Alaska and helps preserve clean water, healthy forests, and habitats for many animals.Key Facts
- The Roadless Rule was established in 2001 by President Bill Clinton.
- It prohibits building new roads and commercial logging in over 58 million acres of roadless national forests.
- The rule protects forest health, wildlife habitats, clean drinking water, and recreational areas.
- The Trump administration wants to remove the rule to allow more road construction and logging, citing economic development reasons.
- Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest is one of the largest roadless areas threatened by this change.
- A 30-day public comment period will follow the formal proposal to repeal the rule.
- Congress is also considering a law change to remove the Roadless Rule permanently.
- The rule does not affect other forest uses like hiking, biking, grazing, or existing mining claims.
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