US Forest Service faces massive opposition to Roadless Rule repeal

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is facing significant public backlash following a proposal to repeal the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. This federal policy limits road construction and commercial timber harvesting in undeveloped national forest lands, protecting approximately 58.5 million acres—nearly one-third of the National Forest System.

Public response has been overwhelming, with estimates suggesting that over 1 million comments were submitted during the recent comment period ending October 6. Initial reports indicate that approximately 99% of these comments oppose the repeal. This follows a similar pattern in 2025, where 625,000 comments were received, the vast majority of which also opposed the rescission.

Conservation groups, including Outdoor Alliance, note that the scale of opposition establishes a substantial public record. While the Forest Service must consider these comments and provide reasoned responses before a final decision, advocacy groups suggest the record could form the basis for future legal challenges if the repeal proceeds. The rule currently safeguards 80,000 river miles and influences drinking water for an estimated 25 million Americans.