Roadless Rule

[Alisse]

Have you heard of the Roadless Rule? Kind of a catchy name.  I hadn't heard of it until an email from a list..https://www.outdooralliance.org/blog/2018/2/23/threats-to-the-roadless-rule-put-backcountry-recreation-at-risk :

"Right now, policy makers are taking the first steps to dismantle the Roadless Rule. If you’ve never heard of the Roadless Rule, you’re not alone. It’s an important conservation tool that protects many of our most valued backcountry recreation areas. Senator Murkowski (R-AK) recently introduced a measure that would eliminate protections for roadless areas in Alaska and the state of Alaska has filed a petition with the Department of Agriculture asking for an exemption to the Roadless Rule. These actions set the stage for other states to seek exemptions from the Roadless Rule, putting backcountry recreation at risk.

 

 

National Forests provide lots of resources to Americans, including timber, fresh water and clean air, and access to outdoor recreation. Right now, about 50% of our National Forest land is open to drilling, logging, and mining; and 18% of is protected as designated Wilderness. The remaining 30% of forests are known as Roadless Areas. These remote landscapes are treasured by our community for the backcountry recreation they provide. These backcountry landscapes are governed by the Roadless Rule.

The Roadless Rule was established in 2001 after enormous public outreach and was intended to “provide lasting protection in the context of multiple-use management” for the 60 million acres of roadless areas on our National Forests and Grasslands. What this means is that we cannot build new roads or harvest timber on these roadless areas, but they are still open for a range of recreational activities, including climbing, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and backcountry skiing. While these areas are protected from new development, they are less restrictive than Wilderness areas in terms of what you can do there."

 

I'm trying to find the latest ruling/decision but no luck so far..