WA Wild coordinates letter from 161 stakeholders opposing proposed repeal of Roadless Rule
In a powerful letter sent to USDA Secretary Rollins, 161 conservation groups, outdoor recreation organizations, craft beer industry businesses, elected officials, and other stakeholders came together to oppose the proposed repeal of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule—a move that would open nearly 45 million acres* of pristine national forest land to development.
Photo: Dark Divide Roadless Area, Erik Gauger
The 2001 Roadless Rule was created to preserve some of the last untouched public lands in the U.S.—areas without roads, industrial logging, or energy development. These landscapes are America’s wild heart, beloved by outdoor recreationists while safeguarding much of our last remaining old growth forests, vital fish and wildlife habitat, and the clean drinking water millions of Americans rely on.
Here in Washington State, nearly 2 million acres of these roadless forests are at stake. The proposed repeal threatens access to 830 unique trails totaling more than 4,000 miles; beloved trails like Lena Lake, Kettle Crest, and Maple Pass Loop could face irreversible damage if protections are lifted.
The existing Roadless Rule is a balanced, common-sense policy that allows for limited road-building in truly critical situations—such as wildfire response, public health and safety, toxic waste cleanup, existing mineral access, federal highway projects, ecosystem restoration, and habitat protection.
It’s also deeply popular. The rule was shaped through a two-year public process involving 600 public meetings across the country—28 of them here in Washington State—and generated 1.6 million public comments, with an overwhelming 95% in support.
This isn’t just another policy—it’s the product of strong, sustained grassroots advocacy and reflects our shared commitment to preserving America’s last wild places while allowing for responsible, science-based land management when necessary.
Roadless protections remain one of our most effective tools for safeguarding old-growth forests, salmon streams, clean drinking water, and cherished backcountry recreational access.
With a coalition of more than 900 Washington stakeholders standing firmly behind it, the message is clear: our roadless areas are not for sale.
*The Roadless Rule (2001) initially protected more than 58 million acres of National Forest lands across 39 states, but as of 2025 only currently applies to about 45 million acres with Idaho and Colorado having state-specific rules.
