USDA is opening a public comment period for input on its rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule.
The rule generally prohibits the construction of new roads, reconstruction of roads and timber harvesting in roadless National Forest System areas.
“For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has frustrated land managers and served as a barrier to action—prohibiting road construction, which has limited wildfire suppression and active forest management,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.
The rescission would apply to nearly 45 million acres of the nearly 60 million acres of inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System. Public comment is being accepted until Sept. 19 once the proposal is listed in the Federal Register.
3 Comments