Protect America’s Backcountry Forests! – DEADLINE FOR COMMENT IS SEPT. 21 (8:59 pm)

(Article: Paving paradise: Dismantling the Roadless Rule threatens to disrupt wildlife, water and peace in the last quiet places in America

(https://youtu.be/YAH3l0Uzl7k?si=gVHdXLHuv–lERiy)

WE ONLY HAVE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 21st, 8:59 pm PST TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD!

  • You can submit your comment directly to Regulations.gov.
  • Submit A Comment through these portals – Note – their deadlines may be shorter!
  • Make a Call
    • Call 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected with your members of Congress.
      • Tell them two things:
        • You Oppose the rollback of the Roadless Rule & support the No Action Alternative. And…
        • Urge the administration to extend the public comment period.
        • One call. Two asks. A powerful way to make your voice heard.
  • Resources:
    • (newtimesslo) Public land users push back as federal Roadless Rule faces repeal
    • (forestwatch) Protect America’s Backcountry Forests
    • (forestwatch) Trump Administration Moves to Eliminate Roadless Rule, Threatening Los Padres National Forest
  • What Should I Say?
    • State that you support the No Action Alternative.
    • Explain your connection to National Forests and Roadless Areas.
    • Share a personal story about hiking, mountain biking, camping, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, volunteering, or family experiences.
    • Explain why undeveloped forest landscapes matter to you.
    • Ask the Forest Service to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule in place.
  • Example Opening: I support the No Action Alternative and ask the Forest Service to retain the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. I regularly recreate in National Forest roadless areas, and these places are important to me because…
  • Mail: Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins U.S. Department of Agriculture
    • 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250

Basic Information

On Tuesday August 18th 2026, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, announced the U.S. Forest Service has filed a proposal to rescind in its entirety the national 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Disguised propaganda for wildfire and forest management, but in actuality, a gift to corporate donors, industry, & logging companies.

If the Roadless Conservation Road is repealed 58 million acres of pristine National Forest across the country will be opened up for the first time in over 20 years to roadbuilding. Roads for logging, oil/gas drilling, mining, privatization, & housing. This includes 600,000 acres of our own Los Padres National Forest. It will endanger wildlife, wildlife habitat, sensitive ecosystems, vital watersheds, sacred tribal grounds, and our recreational areas. These are the places where we hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, mountain bike, fish, hunt, or just go for solace. And they are all under threat.

More Roads = More People More People = More Fires

It has already been scientifically proven that 99% of all wildfires start within 1/2 from a road. We already have an adequate number of roads in our National Forests for fire mitigation. This plan is all for corporate greed. Do not let this happen. FIGHT BACK! Our National Forests depend on YOU!

The current administration says revoking the rule is a “common-sense” way to help local officials protect communities from wildfires. Opening up these forests to logging roads and logging is going to degrade them and will increase wildfire risks! The Roadless Rule already allows for roads to be constructed or rebuilt to protect health and safety when threatened by wildfire. And it allows for smaller diameter timber to be removed to improve habitat and reduce the risk of severe wildfires. We already have 370,000 miles of roads in our forests. Plus there are also more than 459 miles of roads and trails available for off-road vehicle use. We don’t need more!

Recreational Areas the Roadless Rule Protects:

  • Rock Climbing: 11,337 climbing routes in boulder problems
  • Kayaking: More than 1,000 white water paddling runs
  • Hiking: 43,826 miles of hiking trails
  • Mountain Biking: 20,298 mountain biking trails
  • Fishing: Over 80,000 miles of rivers supporting trout, salmon for angling
  • Not to mention the acres of land Tribal Communities hold Ceremony.

If protections disappear, these areas could be opened to:

  • Commercial logging
  • Roadbuilding
  • Vegetation removal
  • Infrastructure development
  • Oil & Gas drilling
  • Mining
  • Housing
  • Privatization

More Resources!

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