Trump Administration Moves to Rescind Roadless Rule for 45 Million Acres
The Trump administration has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, potentially changing how nearly 45 million acres of national forests are managed and allowing local officials greater flexibility over road construction, logging and wildfire-prevention projects. The proposal was announced by Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins on August 18, 2026, and is now entering a federal public-comment process.
What Happened
The U.S. Forest Service has filed a proposed rule to repeal the national 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has restricted new roads and commercial logging in designated roadless areas for roughly 25 years.
According to a report by Woodworking Network, Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the rule has become a barrier to active...









