Trump Repeals Roadless Rule, Expanding Forest Lands

The Trump administration moved to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a policy that bans logging, road-building and some development on roughly 45 to 59 million acres of national forest land, and would transfer decision-making to local forest managers. Officials say restoring local control will improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and allow tailored approaches to regional challenges, while not mandating any logging or road construction. The proposal has sparked sharp opposition from conservation groups and some lawmakers who warn it would threaten pristine lands, wildlife habitats, and water protection, and could lead to increased development, mining, and wildfire risk; critics also note that many roadless areas already contain existing roads and that protections have been central to wildfire prevention. Support from Republican-led states and governors highlights potential economic benefits from more flexible management and timber opportunities, with officials citing large wildfire hazards in western forests as justification. Public comments will be sought, and an environmental impact statement will be prepared; the policy change would not automatically open all roadless areas to development but would change the framework for evaluating future activities. Overall, the move represents a major shift in how millions of acres of forest lands could be managed in coming years, with debate centering on balancing forest health, wildfire risk, and economic development.