Trump Repeals Roadless Rule, Expanding Forest Lands

The Trump administration moved to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, potentially opening roughly 44 to 45 million acres of national forests to road construction, logging and other development to restore local management and reduce wildfire risk. Supporters say it would empower local forest managers and boost forest health, while opponents warn it would devastate roadless landscapes and threaten recreation, clean water and ecosystems.