USDA Proposes Repeal of Roadless Area Conservation Rule
By Editor • August 18, 2026 • 1 min read
The USDA has announced plans to revoke the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which currently protects nearly 45 million acres of national forests from road construction and logging. This proposal, submitted by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, aims to empower local forest managers to better control wildfire risks.
Rollins argued that the existing restrictions hinder forest health and that it's time to 'turn the page' on what he deems a 'failed roadless rule.' Supporters, including Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, believe that allowing road development will facilitate quicker access for firefighters during wildfires.
However, environmental advocates warn that lifting the ban could increase wildfire risks, noting that fires are significantly more likely to ignite near roads. Taylor McKinnon from the Center for Biological Diversity emphasized the importance of roadless forests for wildlife, stating, 'Plowing roads into their habitat will bring human-caused wildfires and disturbances.' With the U.S. facing one of its worst wildfire seasons in a decade, the proposal has provoked significant concern.
The USDA clarified that the repeal would not mandate timber cutting or road construction. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until September 21.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
#Brooke Rollins #environmental concerns #Roadless Area Conservation Rule #USDA #wildfire
