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U.S. Forest Service Reviews Roadless Rule Impacting 66 Million Acres
The U.S. Forest Service is initiating steps to potentially revoke a rule that currently safeguards 66 million acres of National Forests from logging and development activities. This decision could significantly alter the protection status of these vast forest lands.
In North Carolina alone, 172,000 acres benefit from the Roadless Rule, including cherished regions like parts of Linville Gorge and South Mills River. A substantial portion of these protected areas are located within the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests.
Outdoor enthusiasts, scientists, and various stakeholders in the region have voiced their concerns regarding this move. According to a study by the Center for Western Priorities, a staggering 99% of the 223,000 comments on the proposal were against repealing the Roadless Rule.
Environmental advocate Will Harlan, stationed in Barnardsville and affiliated with the Center for Biological Diversity, emphasized the importance of maintaining these areas. “These roadless areas are the spine, the backbone of our outdoor recreation economy, the beating heart of biodiversity,” Harlan stated. “They’re places where hellbenders and trout have the best habitat and they’re also our secret weapon in fighting climate change.”
However, the USDA argues that eliminating the rule could enhance efforts to combat wildfires and improve forest health. Brooke Rollins from the United States Department of Agriculture remarked, “For too long, outdated restrictions have kept tens of millions of forested acres off-limits to the very treatments that improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk to our communities,” in the official announcement.
The public is invited to provide feedback on this proposal until September 21. Further details will be made available on the Forest Service website starting August 19.
