In 1998, an idea was proposed by Forest Service leaders to create legislation protecting national forests through prohibiting the construction of roads and harmful infrastructure in certain areas.
The following year, officials proposed a law and had road construction paused. By the year 2000, 1.6 million Americans had shared their comments in support of the legislation, and only a year later, the Roadless Rule was finalized.
The Roadless Rule prohibits the construction of roads and the commencement of commercial timber harvesting in unindustrialized national forests across the country. In 2001, it encompassed 58 million acres of land, and today, it protects 45 million precious acres of forest.
As a result of this rule, these areas have been models of environmental prosperity, lower pollution levels and flourishing wildlife, proving that all those benefits are possible in this country.
To add to the positive impacts, the rule has been economically beneficial, saving taxpayer dollars from use on unnecessary construction and supporting the highly important environmental job market. The rule has even protected resources by keeping “clean” water truly clean, unpolluted and accessible.
In fact, in an economic study of eco services conducted by Earth Economics, they concluded that these protected forests were actually generating $24 billion dollars for the country each year.
Despite all of these benefits, however, the Trump Administration, through the U.S. Forest Service, is actively attempting to rescind the Roadless Rule.
This decision would put 45 million acres of land at risk of industrialization and destruction that would negatively impact water quality, endanger wildlife and even heighten the risk of wildfire in the areas.
One major argument being used by lawmakers to justify the overturning of the Roadless Rule is that building roads in these forests would help firefighters reach them in the event of a wildfire. However, many studies, and even statements from wildlife firefighters, have come out directly opposing this claim.
“What can I do?”
While this issue may feel hopeless and daunting, there are ways to prevent the Roadless Rule from being overturned.
A comment period has been opened where citizens can voice their concerns about the rule. Initially, the period was set to close on September 19, but due to overwhelming feedback, the comment period has been extended to October 6.
Power lies in numbers, and every comment that is submitted will help protect our beautiful national forests from destruction. I urge anyone reading this to use the links at the bottom of this article to share your support of the rule, the forests and the wildlife that depends on these undeveloped areas.
Voicing your concerns regarding the rule is extremely important and it is especially helpful to share your personal connection to the environment and national forests. While they are beautiful to visit, they also provide so many benefits to the country, ensuring sources of clean water and housing a diverse range of wildlife.
In 2000, 1.6 million Americans chose to use their voices to help bring the Roadless Rule to life, and now many of the same Americans, and many new ones, have the opportunity to honor the 26 years of environmental prosperity that followed.
Please speak up, please spread the word and please remember that your voice matters.
If not you, then who?
