45 Million Acres of Public Lands, Parks Threatened by Proposed End of Roadless Rule Protections

WASHINGTON – National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) rejects a reckless proposal released today by the Trump administration, to end the longstanding Roadless Area Conservation Rule (roadless rule). For decades, the roadless rule has maintained the integrity of key ecosystems on more than 45 million acres of national forestland while allowing activities including timber management to prevent wildfire. From the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah to Yosemite, the health of many of America’s national park sites, rely on the ecosystems that surround them. NPCA analysis found nearly 30% (17.5 million acres) of the public lands protected by the roadless rule are within 30 miles of national park lands.  

Eliminating the roadless rule leaves parks and surrounding landscapes more vulnerable to roadbuilding, oil and gas drilling, mining and other harmful development. Without the roadless rule, national parks and communities far beyond will become more susceptible to climate impacts, deteriorated air and water quality, biodiversity reductions, and marred viewsheds and soundscapes.

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The roadless rule was finalized with overwhelming support in 2001 and has stopped virtually all new largescale logging, roadbuilding, and extractive practices like oil and gas development on more than 45 million acres of America’s remaining undeveloped national forests lands.

Wildlife ranging from grizzly bears and elk to salmon to songbirds relies on connected and roadless landscapes and waterways for habitat, food and shelter as they travel within and outside of park boundaries.  

Designated roadless areas also support diverse access opportunities for communities and visitors alike, including hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, and other forms of motorized and non-motorized recreation, along with livestock grazing for ranchers.   

Statement by Stephanie Adams, wildlife program director for National Parks Conservation Association

“Proposing to end the Roadless Rule is the latest dangerous attempt by the administration to undo America’s conservation legacy in favor of development at all costs.

"When combined with the recent administrative actions including destructive mining and oil and gas rules and removing protection from habitat destruction for threatened and endangered species, ending the roadless rule is a recipe for destruction. National parks including Mesa Verde, North Cascades, Capitol Reef, Theodoore Roosevelt, and Appalachian Trail are left in the crosshairs for more development at their doorsteps with this proposal.

"Everyone who cares for America’s national parks and public lands should be alarmed by these attempts to dismantle the Roadless Rule.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.