The Roadless Rule

07/22/26

“What’s the U.S.federal rule that protects backcountry forests from road construction, why is it under attack, and what can you do to help?”

Remote, backcountry forests are marvelous pieces of geography. Not only do they nurture diverse ecosystems and regulate our planet’s carbon balance, but they also provide world-class recreational opportunities. In 2001, the U.S. federal government introduced The Roadless Rule, which protects roughly 60 million acres of American backcountry forests and grasslands from road and logging development. This rule has been an incredible success, sustaining not only the forests themselves but also drinking water access to over 25 million Americans. However, this is now all under threat as the USDA released a notice of intent to repeal the roadless rule, likely by (as of writing) late 2026. If you are a U.S. resident, you can fight to protect the roadless rule by calling your representatives, using the information found in the link here.