Feds propose ending 'Roadless Rule' in National Forests, raising environmental concerns
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving to repeal a two-decade-old rule that protects undeveloped national forest lands, a move officials say will boost timber production and help prevent wildfires. However, the proposal is drawing sharp criticism from environmental advocates.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on June 23 plans to scrap the 2001 Roadless Rule, which prohibits new road construction in untouched national forest areas. In a press release, Rollins stated the change would allow "for fire prevention and responsible timber production."
Environmental groups are worried about the potential impact.
While most of the affected lands are in the Western U.S., a smaller portion is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains. In the region, areas that could be impacted include parts of areas south of Damascus and sections of Wise County. The U.S. Forest Service provides an interactive map of inventoried roadless areas.
The effort to end the Roadless Rule is part of a broader federal plan to increase timber production in national forests, which officials claim will also reduce wildfire risk. In April, the USDA declared a wildfire emergency in significant portions of the forest.
As part of that declaration, the Forest Service has released its strategy, which includes mandating the use of emergency authority to expedite environmental reviews of timber projects. The Service also plans to explore options for environmental reviews without consulting other state or federal agencies.
Additionally, the strategy involves developing long-term contracts (10 years or more) with partners and utilizing drones and artificial intelligence to assist in timber sales. The full plan is available in the U.S. Forest Service National Active Forest Management Strategy.
