Trump targets roadless rule on U.S. Forest Service land

President Trump aims to revoke the 2001 roadless rule, which protects 59 million acres of unroaded forests managed by the U. S. Forest Service. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins described the rule as outdated and a barrier to effective forest management, asserting it is contrary to the Forest Service's mission. Critics, including Chris Wood from Trout Unlimited, contend that the move threatens vital habitats for fish and wildlife and lacks a clear demand from the timber industry.

The timber sector has consistently opposed the rule, arguing it restricts economic opportunities and forest health. A separate Idaho-specific roadless rule, crafted in 2008, permits limited logging and raises questions about its future if the national rule is revoked. Rollins did not clarify the revocation process, but experts anticipate it will require new rulemaking and a comprehensive environmental impact statement. This action reflects broader tensions between conservation efforts and resource management priorities within the federal government. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of maintaining protections for unroaded areas to ensure ecological sustainability.