USDA moves to repeal Roadless Rule affecting Alaska habitats

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expressed intent to rescind the Roadless Rule, a policy that has protected productive fish habitats for nearly 25 years by limiting new road construction and industrial logging in designated areas.

In Alaska, this policy supports critical ecosystems such as the Tongass National Forest, which produces more wild salmon than all other national forests combined, and the Chugach National Forest, which contains the headwaters of the Kenai River. While a 2019 survey indicated that 79 percent of Alaskans support maintaining the rule, the USDA is moving toward its repeal.

Key areas potentially affected include the Situk River in the Tongass National Forest, known for its steelhead and Pacific salmon populations. A public comment period regarding the proposal to rescind the rule is currently open through September 21st.