Yes, the attacks on public lands just keep coming. This time, the USDA is moving to rescind the Roadless Rule (a critical conservation regulation that's protected 30% of our National Forests for nearly 25 years), and the first public comment period closes in just four days.
I break down what the rule is, why it matters, and how you can leave a meaningful comment that goes on record. I also myth-bust claims about wildfire management, accessibility, and economic value, etc.
Take action now: Go to regulations.gov and search FS-2025-0001. Share your personal story, cite research, and keep it respectful. Or click here: https://bit.ly/RoadlessRuleComment. Your comment matters!
TL;DR
- The Roadless Rule (since 2001) protects ~58M acres of National Forests (about 30%) from new industrial road-building.
- USDA is moving to rescind it and is rushing the scoping comment period (only 21 days).
- Roads do not reduce wildfire risk; they often increase human-caused ignitions and invasive species spread.
- Roads ≠ accessibility. True access requires intentional infrastructure (bathrooms, trail surfacing/width, maintenance, programs).
- Forest Service already has 386,000+ miles of roads and a $8.4B maintenance backlog. Adding more is unsafe and unsustainable.
- Your specific, respectful, and sourced comment becomes part of the public record and matters both now and later in court. It's important!
- Comment period ends SOON! Deadline: Sept. 19th
LINKS
- Leave your comment here: https://bit.ly/RoadlessRuleComment.
- Roadless Rule myths debunked: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/roadless-rule-myths-debunked-facts-vs-fiction
- All about public comments: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/roadless-rule-public-comment-guide
- Why removing the Roadless Rule doesn't benefit disabled people: https://www.madeleinewilson.org/post/removing-roadless-rule-wont-increase-accessibility-disabled-people
TIMESTAMPS
- 00:00 – Welcome & urgent call to action (comment deadline in 4 days!)
- 02:00 – Roadless Rule 101: what it is & what it protects
- 06:10 – The rulemaking process & why comments matter legally
- 10:25 – Myth-busting wildfire arguments
- 16:15 – Roads ≠ accessibility: the truth about disabled access
- 21:05 – What Roadless areas safeguard: water, wildlife, recreation
- 25:50 – Forest Service backlog & why adding more roads is reckless
- 29:30 – Economic reality: existing value of Roadless lands
- 33:20 – How to write a strong public comment
- 39:40 – Closing thoughts, collective action, and ways to support
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