09/23/2026
Public comment period on the Roadless Rule Act. You have until October 6th. Here's a summary from Regulations.gov (https://www.regulations.gov/document/FS-2025-0001-223869)
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or Department) is proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (2001 Roadless Rule), which established broad prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting within inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands. The intent of this proposed action is to reduce regulatory burden and return decisionmaking for the management of inventoried roadless areas to the land management planning process at the individual national forest level. Rescission of the national-level prohibitions provides responsible officials with flexibility to better guide management of National Forest System lands and respond to changing local resource conditions. The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, as amended by the National Forest Management Act of 1976, and the associated land management planning processes and plans are the appropriate and effective mechanisms to guide sustainable, integrated management of the resources within the plan areas in the context of the broader landscape, giving due consideration to the relative values of the various resources in particular areas. The USDA invites public comment on this proposed rule, the associated draft environmental impact statement, and cost benefit analysis, which are being published simultaneously."
"Comments, identified by RIN 0596-AD66, should be sent via one of the following methods:
• Electronically (preferred): Through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, https://www.regulations.gov, identified by docket number FS-2025-0001 or RIN 0596-AD66. Follow the instructions for sending comments; or
• Mail: Hardcopy letters must be submitted to the Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, 201 14th Street SW, Mailstop 1108, Washington, DC 20250-1124."
THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE ROADLESS RULE ACT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 6TH!
The Roadless Rule protects 45 million acres of our national forests. These areas are open to a wide array of outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking, climbing, paddling, fishing, and OHV use.
In addition to recreation, roadless forests protect clean air and water, critical wildlife and habitat, and intact ecosystems that benefit millions of people. Roadless areas are also far less prone to wildfires due to reduction in ease of access.
They are also the backbone of a $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy that supports local economies and over 5 million jobs across the country.
The Roadless Rule provides a practical balance for managing our country's National Forests. It protects landscapes from large-scale development while still allowing for active management and a wide array of outdoor recreation.
Policies like these are rare and critical.
More time on the clock means more time to make your voice heard.
To learn more about the Roadless Rule, the proposed changes, and to make a comment, follow the link below:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/20/2026-16965/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation
