Comment Today to Protect the Roadless Rule
Last week, the US Forest Service released its plan to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule, which prohibits road building and logging on over 45 million acres of national forests across the country. The scenic views and remote feel of over 375 miles of the Continental Divide Trail in New Mexico, Wyoming, and Montana would be threatened under this plan. (Roadless areas in Colorado and Idaho are protected under state laws.)
Across the country, 43,826 miles of trail, 11,337 climbing routes and boulder problems, 1,000 whitewater paddling runs, and 20,298 miles of mountain biking trails traverse roadless areas. Beyond recreation, the US Forest Service itself states that this could result in increased fire frequency, impacts to water quality, and impacts on endangered species.
One year ago, when the Forest Service first announced their intention to repeal the rule, 600,000 public comments were submitted and 99% opposed repeal. Now, the plans are out and we’re working with groups across the country to mobilize another 1 million public comments. Together, these comments will match the 1.6 million that were submitted when the rule was established twenty-five years ago and tell the Forest Service that this rule still matters to Americans across the country.
Thank you for speaking up for the CDT and the outdoor spaces you love.
