Forest Service to End Protection for 45 Million Acres of Forest
The U.S. Forest Service has moved forward with a rule to withdraw protections from 45 million acres of pristine national forests.
The U.S. Forest Service has decided to withdraw protections from 45 million acres of national forests, rescinding the Roadless Area Conservation Rule implemented in 2001. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated that the rule increases wildfire risk by preventing necessary forest management practices. However, this claim is not supported by data.
Research indicates that human activity, not roadless areas, is the primary cause of wildland fires. Forest experts argue that roads would bring more people into unspoiled lands, increasing wildfire risk. The Trump administration is accused of undoing a successful land conservation policy. Nearly 95% of inventoried roadless areas are located in 10 Western states, and the rule is highly popular, with around 75% public support.
The proposal will be published in the Federal Register, allowing for public comments before finalization.
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