Feds Move to Rescind Roadless Area Conservation Rule

Widespread public opposition fails to stop administration's plan to open up millions of acres to development

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:21pm

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A peaceful forest landscape with a lone trail sign in the foreground, painted in warm, earthy tones with dramatic shadows, conveying the natural beauty and solitude of protected wilderness areas.A serene forest scene evokes the tranquility of America's protected roadless areas, now threatened by the administration's plans to open them up to development.Bend Today

The federal government is moving forward with plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a 2001 policy that has protected around 60 million acres of public lands from road construction, logging, mining, and other development. Despite receiving over 600,000 public comments - with up to 99% in support of keeping the rule - the administration is pressing ahead with the rollback, sparking outrage from environmental groups, outdoor enthusiasts, and local communities.

Why it matters

The Roadless Rule has safeguarded some of the country's most pristine wilderness areas, providing habitat for endangered species and protecting vital water sources for millions of Americans. Rescinding the rule would open these lands to potential exploitation, with significant ecological and recreational consequences for local communities.

The details

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was established in 2001 under the U.S. Forest Service, prohibiting most road construction, reconstruction, and industrial resource extraction on around 60 million acres of public lands. These protected areas provide habitat for over 1,600 threatened or endangered species and play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and quantity. However, the current administration announced plans to rescind the rule last summer, kicking off a rushed 2-day public comment period that received over 600,000 responses - the vast majority in support of keeping the protections in place.

  • The Roadless Rule was established in 2001.
  • The current administration announced plans to rescind the rule in the summer of 2025.
  • A 2-day public comment period was held at the end of August 2025.

The players

U.S. Forest Service

The federal agency that established the Roadless Area Conservation Rule in 2001.

Central Oregon LandWatch

A local environmental group hosting a community event to advocate for keeping the Roadless Rule in place.

Oregon Wild

An environmental organization that has highlighted the importance of the Roadless Rule in protecting Oregon's iconic landscapes.

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What they’re saying

“This critical policy preserves the last of our wild public lands as homes for wildlife, havens for recreation, and natural legacies for future generations.”

— Oregon Wild

“The roadless rule has kept wild places wild by protecting millions of acres from logging and mining. The level of unprecedented public engagement showed us the value of protecting water, wildlife, ecological diversity, and cultural values. It's very important for us to speak up and make an impact.”

— Alex Hardin, Central Oregon LandWatch

What’s next

Central Oregon LandWatch, Oregon Wild, the Oregon chapter of the Sierra Club, and others are hosting a community action night on April 6 to voice support for keeping the Roadless Rule in place. Citizens can also write to their elected officials to urge them to support H.R. 3930, the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025, which would codify the protections of the Roadless Rule.

The takeaway

The federal government's move to rescind the widely popular Roadless Rule despite overwhelming public opposition highlights the ongoing battle to protect America's last remaining wild public lands from development and exploitation. Local communities are mobilizing to fight this decision and preserve these ecologically vital areas for future generations.