New to this website?
Find out how to make IMPACTFUL COMMENTS

This site helps you build stronger comments by collecting research facts as you browse, then making those facts available to insert into your comment.

The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule—America's most successful forest protection policy—faces its greatest threat in over two decades. On June 23, 2025, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans to rescind protections for nearly 59 million acres of roadless national forests, opening these irreplaceable wild lands to logging, mining, and road construction. This represents 30% of our entire National Forest System, including 92% of Alaska's ancient Tongass rainforest and critical wildlife habitat from the Rockies to Appalachia.

The stakes couldn't be higher. These roadless areas provide drinking water to tens of millions of Americans, store massive amounts of carbon to fight climate change, and support a $887 billion outdoor recreation economy that employs millions. The original rule was supported by over 1.6 million public comments—more than any federal rule in U.S. history. Now we need your voice again. The Forest Service must hear from Americans who value clean water, wildlife habitat, and our last wild forests over corporate profits.

Why the Roadless Rule Must Be Protected:
Protects Clean Water
Roadless areas provide drinking water to over 60 million Americans through 354 municipal watersheds and save communities millions in water filtration costs
Fights Climate Change
These forests store 20% of all carbon in U.S. national forests, with old-growth trees acting as our best natural climate defense
Supports Rural Economies
The outdoor recreation industry generates $730 billion in annual revenue and 6.5 million jobs nationwide, with roadless areas providing world-class recreation opportunities
Preserves Wildlife Habitat
Critical habitat for over 1,600 threatened or endangered species, including grizzly bears, wolves, salmon, and Canada lynx
Fire Safety Facts Debunk Opposition Claims
New 32-year study shows wildfire ignitions are 4x MORE likely near roads (7.4 fires/1,000 hectares) than in roadless areas (1.9 fires/1,000 hectares)
Overwhelming Public Support
Over 1.6 million people commented during rulemaking with 95% supporting protection—more than any federal rule in history
Protects Sacred Sites
Many roadless areas contain sites sacred to Native Americans and Alaska Natives
Saves Taxpayer Money
The Forest Service has over 370,000 miles of existing roads creating a multi-billion dollar maintenance backlog—we don't need more expensive roads

America's Inventoried Roadless Areas - 59 million acres under threat

Research-Backed Facts:
Fire Research Proves Roads Increase Risk
32-year study of national forest wildfires shows roads dramatically increase fire ignitions—wilderness areas have the LOWEST fire density at 1.7 fires/1,000 hectares
Massive Economic Impact
Protected roadless areas are scenic backdrops for iconic trails like the Continental Divide, Pacific Crest, and Appalachian Trails
Water Security
National forests serve as the source of drinking water for more than 60 million Americans—roadless areas contain all or portions of 354 municipal watersheds
Road Maintenance Crisis
USFS has over 370,000 miles of roads creating a multi-billion dollar backlog of uncompleted maintenance—these unmaintained roads are bleeding sediment into streams
Alaska's Tongass at Risk
Road construction costs $160,000-$500,000 per mile in the Tongass due to difficult terrain—taxpayers shouldn't subsidize this destruction
KEY FACTS & RESOURCES
ROADLESS RESEARCH
GUIDED COMMENT
59M
Acres at Risk
60M+
Americans Depend on Roadless Water
1,600+
Threatened Species Protected