Trumps roadless rule repeal could remove protections for 4M acres of California forests

The Trump administration's proposal to repeal the roadless rule could remove protections from over 4 million acres of California's national forests. U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced plans to allow timber production and fire prevention measures in these areas. Experts are divided on the potential benefits of road construction, with some warning that it could lead to more sparks and increased wildfire risks.

California's national forests host significant roadless regions, vital for the habitat of over 200 endangered species. The Department of Agriculture has yet to clarify how it will execute the repeal or the expected timeline for the process. Conservationists argue that this decision will degrade forests and harm vital ecosystems. They emphasize that road construction and logging could exacerbate wildfire risks rather than mitigate them. Critics assert that the administration’s actions prioritize timber companies over environmental protection.