Roadless Area Conservation Rule
Coverage of Roadless Area Conservation Rule in the Nexus archive.
- USDA advances Roadless Rule repeal; advocates, lawmakers say it puts 400,000 acres in Va. at risk
The USDA plans to repeal the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects millions of acres nationwide; opponents warn that in Virginia, this repeal could open an estimated 400,000 acres in forest to development. Supporters view the move as a way to improve wildfire management and economic development on public lands, while groups like the Southern Environmental Law Center are concerned about environmental degradation and impact on watersheds.
- The Trump administration is trying to kill a rule that protects millions of acres of national forests | Charles F Sams III
The Trump administration is attempting to eliminate the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has protected over 58 million acres of national forests since 2001. The rule, supported by bipartisan efforts and public input, prohibits road construction and timber harvesting in designated areas.