The U.S. Forest Service took significant steps toward overturning the 2001 Roadless Rule on Aug. 29, inviting public commentary on its decision to develop an environmental impact statement for the rule’s revocation. This draft EIS is expected this winter, which will prompt another phase of public review and subsequent rulemaking.
The original regulation, finalized after almost four years of deliberation and involving over 600 public hearings and 1.6 million comments, has faced numerous legal challenges over a decade, especially regarding the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. With the rule’s potential rescission, these longstanding legal battles may soon be irrelevant.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized in an Aug. 27 press release that rescinding the rule aligns with “common sense management of our national forests.” She referenced President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14192, which aims to eliminate complex barriers that hinder American business and innovation.
On June 23, Rollins announced plans to open 58 million acres of roadless Forest Service land for development, alongside efforts to decentralize the USDA, including reducing the Forest Service’s regional office structure. This move raises questions about the agency’s capacity to manage such changes amidst significant staff reductions.
Montana’s 6 million acres of roadless areas are mostly at high elevations or in unprofitable locations. Julia Altemus from Montana Wood Products noted that while inventory status changes, these lands will still adhere to individual forest plans, ensuring limited impact on logging activities.
Each forest has unique plans guiding its management, including for logging, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Montana’s roadless acres span various regions, such as the Beartooth Front and parts of the Crazy Mountain Range, as documented by Wild Montana.
Altemus addressed public concerns: “We’re not going to clearcut 6 million acres — that’s not going to happen. We’re still years out, and the whole thing will be litigated.”
In Greater Yellowstone, Idaho’s 9.3 million acres have a separate roadless rule that remains unaffected, while Wyoming’s 3.2 million acres will be influenced by the rule’s revocation.
Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz stated that the Roadless Rule has obstructed effective land management, limiting road construction essential for wildfire suppression. He stressed that management decisions should rest with local Forest Service experts.
Wild Montana spokesman Alex Blackmer contested Schultz’s views, arguing that timber harvest and wildfire management are pretexts for unnecessary development. Blackmer cited that 88% of wildfires are human-caused and stated that more roadbuilding in roadless areas heightens fire risks.
The public can submit comments on the USDA’s plan via the Federal Register until Sept. 19.
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