The Trump administration has announced plans to rescind a long-standing rule that prohibited logging on national forest lands. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement at the annual meeting of the Western Governors Association, citing the need for increased timber production to reduce the risk of wildfires.
The rule in question, known as the roadless rule, was implemented in the final days of Bill Clinton’s presidency in 2001. It has been a point of contention for Republican lawmakers, particularly in the Western states where national forests cover vast mountainous areas. The rule has restricted road construction and timber harvesting on approximately 30% of national forest lands, totaling around 59 million acres.
While some state-specific roadless-area rules in states like Idaho and Colorado may supersede the federal rule, the USDA’s decision to rescind the rule could have significant implications for national forest management. Environmental groups have expressed concern about the potential rollback, arguing that logging activities contribute to climate change and exacerbate the intensity of wildfires.
The announcement comes amidst discussions about selling off federal lands to address housing affordability issues, a proposal that has been met with criticism from Democrats. The decision to rescind the roadless rule represents a shift in policy from the Biden administration, which had prioritized protecting old-growth forests and limiting logging activities.
In Alaska, where the Tongass National Forest is located, the roadless rule has been a subject of ongoing legal battles. The Trump administration had previously lifted restrictions on logging and road-building in the Tongass, a move that was reversed by the Biden administration. The Tongass, a temperate rainforest known for its diverse wildlife, has been the center of debate between conservationists and proponents of economic development.
Overall, the decision to rescind the roadless rule has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from environmental advocates. The future of national forest management and conservation efforts remains uncertain as the debate over logging and land use continues to unfold.
