By Jamie Martin
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule, a decision that will open 58.5 million acres of national forest land to improved management. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Western Governors’ Association in New Mexico.
The rule, which prohibited road construction and timber harvest in designated areas, restricted proper forest maintenance and increased wildfire risk.
Nearly 30% of all National Forest System lands were affected, including 60% in Utah, 58% in Montana, and 92% in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest.
The USDA states that removing the rule enables more proactive measures against wildfires and supports sustainable timber production. Utah estimates a 25% decline in forestry sector growth due to the rule’s restrictions.
“Once again, President Trump is removing absurd obstacles to common sense management of our natural resources by rescinding the overly restrictive roadless rule,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The decision aligns with Executive Order 14192, promoting deregulation and economic development. It also allows land managers to make decisions based on local needs, rather than federal restrictions.
With 28 million acres of roadless areas at high wildfire risk, the USDA believes this change will better protect communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
By enabling responsible access, forest managers can carry out fire prevention work and maintain forest health for future generations.
This repeal supports both environmental and economic goals, ensuring forests can be used sustainably and safely across the U.S.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National