Trump Admin Seeks to End ‘Roadless Rule’ Protecting 44.7 Million Acres of National Forest

The Roadless Rule has been one of the biggest conservation policies affecting U.S. National Forests for nearly 25 years.

Now, the USDA wants to roll it back, and the decision could affect millions of acres that RVers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with.

What Is the Roadless Rule?

The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule limits road construction, road reconstruction, and most commercial logging. Today, the national rule applies to about 44.7 million acres of National Forest System land. The total inventoried roadless base is about 58.2 million acres, much of it in western states and Alaska. Idaho and Colorado use state-specific roadless rules.

The rule came at the end of the Clinton administration and was designed to keep undeveloped forest land intact. It wasn’t meant to shut people out – hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and even habitat restoration have always been allowed. Temporary roads for emergencies are also permitted. What the rule restricted was permanent roads and large-scale industrial logging.

It was adopted after roughly 600 public meetings and more than 1.6 million comments. Advocacy groups, including Earthjustice, report that about 95% supported the protections.

Why Roll It Back?

The USDA, under Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, says the Roadless Rule is too rigid.

“(The Trump) administration is dedicated to removing burdensome, outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations that not only put people and livelihoods at risk but also stifle economic growth in rural America”

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins

Supporters of the rollback argue that it:

• Blocks forest managers from thinning trees and reducing wildfire risks
• Limits road access for firefighting crews
• Holds back rural economies tied to the timber industry

Rollins called the proposal a commonsense step to create healthier, more resilient forests and said it aligns with Trump-era executive orders aimed at deregulation and resource development.

The Other Side of the Debate

Conservationists, recreation groups, and environmental advocates strongly disagree. They argue that repealing the rule would:

• Fragment wildlife habitat and hurt biodiversity
• Degrade water quality and increase erosion
• Damage trails, scenic areas, and the backcountry experience

Trout Unlimited points out that 70% of Roadless Areas are home to native trout and salmon, provide clean drinking water to millions, and support some of the best hunting and fishing in the country.

The National Wildlife Federation notes that while the rule could be updated, removing it entirely runs against science and broad public opinion.

Another point raised: more roads could actually increase wildfire risk. Roughly 85% of wildfires are human-caused, and 90% of those start within half a mile of a road.

Legal and Political Context

This fight isn’t new. Since 2001, Republican-led states and industry groups have filed more than a dozen lawsuits challenging the Roadless Rule. They argue that Clinton overstepped, creating wilderness-like protections without Congress. None of those lawsuits has succeeded.

Now, with USDA moving to rescind the rule, groups like Earthjustice are preparing lawsuits of their own, signaling a court battle ahead.

The proposal was also announced at the Western Governors Association meeting in New Mexico, highlighting the regional stakes for western states most impacted.

What Happens Next?

Inventoried roadless areas total about 58.2 million acres, roughly 30% of National Forest System lands. The 2001 national rule currently covers about 44.7 million acres because Idaho and Colorado follow their own state roadless rules. The rollback process will take time:

• September 19, 2025 – Current public comment period closes
• March 2026 – Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and proposed rule expected, with another chance to comment
• Late 2026 – Final rule and EIS expected, along with a record of decision

Even if the national rule is rescinded, actual projects like new roads or logging would still require project-level environmental review under NEPA.

How to Comment

Anyone can submit feedback. Even short notes about how you use National Forests for camping, hiking, or scenic drives are considered meaningful.

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on September 19, 2025.

• Online (preferred): Visit Regulations.gov, open docket FS-2025-0001, and follow the instructions.
• Mail: Send letters to:
  Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, 201 14th Street SW, Mailstop 1108, Washington, DC 20250-1124