The Trump administration is trying to kill a rule that protects millions of acres of national forests The Roadless Area Rule, which has protected millions of acres of national forests from development since 2001, is under threat of being rescinded by the US Secretary of Agriculture. This policy change could allow for logging and other development, impacting water quality, wildlife habitats, and the public’s relationship with these lands. The author argues that this move prioritizes corporate interests over the collective ownership and stewardship of public lands, which are cherished by Americans across the political spectrum.

• The Roadless Area Rule, established in 2001, protects over 58 million acres of national forests from development like road construction and logging.
• US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins is working to rescind the Roadless Rule, which could open public lands to development for commercial interests.
• This action is viewed as part of the Trump administration’s broader agenda to alter public lands, potentially disconnecting citizens from their natural heritage.
• The author, a former National Park Service director, emphasizes that love for the land unites Americans and argues that removing the rule benefits corporations at the expense of the environment and public good.
• The rule protects vital ecosystems, habitats for endangered species, and sources of drinking water for millions of Americans.
• The article urges citizens to contact their representatives and the US Forest Service to prevent the rescission of the Roadless Rule.