Since 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has prohibited road construction, road reconstruction, industrial development, and timber harvesting on approximately 45 million acres of national forests and grasslands.
Roadless areas are designated to preserve and protect watersheds, habitats, and riparian areas. In turn, protected areas provide clean water, healthy wildlife, and recreation opportunities.
As of June 2025, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced the intent to repeal the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
The department’s proposal includes reasoning that removal of the Roadless rule will improve wildfire suppression and expand timber production.
In contrast, environmentalists and scientists warn that road construction in wilderness areas may increase wildfire ignitions, spread invasive species, and lead to habitat fragmentation and disruption of migration patterns.
Likewise, industrial development increases erosion and pollution, contaminates streams and rivers, and jeopardizes clean water sources.
Although Colorado has its own roadless rules, the Four Corners area and the rivers we love to boat across the west are protected by the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, and rescission could alter or destroy countless background landscapes.
The USDA is accepting written comments and relevant information, studies, or analyses with respect to the proposal. Written comments must be received no later than Sept. 19, 2025.
Electronically (preferred): Go to the notice posted on Regulations.gov and click on the comment button.
Mail: Hardcopy letters must be submitted to the Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, 201 14th Street SW, Mailstop 1108, Washington, DC 20250-1124.
Fill out the Easy-Action Form from American Whitewater.
Taking a few minutes to make your voice heard can and will make a difference. The public (us!) had success stopping public land sales in recent legislation, illustrating how citizen action does make a difference.
