Izaak Walton League comments to USDA: Keep and strengthen Roadless Rule, do not rescind it
The League sent a letter to the USDA urging the Department to maintain the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects unfractured backcountry in our national forests by limiting new road construction. Our national forests already contain more than 370,000 miles of roads—enough to encircle the Earth nearly 15 times.
April 18, 2025
The Honorable Brooke Rollins
Secretary
Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
RE: Docket ID Number FS-2025-0001: 2001 Roadless Rule Recission
Dear Secretary Rollins,
The Izaak Walton League of America appreciates the opportunity to provide comments on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (“Roadless Rule”). Founded in 1922, the League is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations, with 40,000 members across the country dedicated to protecting America’s natural resources and outdoor traditions.
Since its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has safeguarded some of the most pristine and undeveloped lands in our National Forest System. The Rule was established after an extensive public process that included more than 600 local meetings and 1.6 million comments—95 percent of which expressed support. Today, it protects 58 million acres of backcountry landscapes across 39 states. Importantly, the Roadless Rule did not eliminate existing roads or trails. It also provides clear exceptions for road construction, including access to inholdings and valid mineral leases. In addition, timber harvest is allowed within Roadless Areas when needed to reduce wildfire risk or enhance fish and wildlife habitat.
Roadless areas are of exceptional importance for providing fish and wildlife habitat, clean water, and quality opportunities for outdoor recreation. These landscapes provide secure areas for elk, deer, and other big game species and conserve headwaters that sustain native trout and salmon populations. By protecting intact habitat and clean water, the Roadless Rule ensures that future generations of Americans will continue to enjoy the benefits that come from unfractured backcountry.
The League also recognizes that our National Forests face pressing challenges, including the growing threat of catastrophic wildfire. However, rescinding the Roadless Rule is not the solution. Instead, the Forest Service should retain the Rule’s essential conservation safeguards while incorporating flexibility to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. Such an approach would address management needs without compromising fish and wildlife habitat or undermining the outdoor recreation that depends on these landscapes.
If the Roadless Rule is rescinded, new road construction and large-scale logging could fragment fish and wildlife habitat, impair water quality and quantity, and diminish backcountry hunting and fishing opportunities on public lands. Our National Forests already contain more than 370,000 miles of roads—enough to encircle the Earth nearly 15 times. The Congressional Research Service has noted that the Forest Service currently faces an $8.6 billion deferred maintenance backlog, with 58 percent tied to deteriorating roads. Instead of adding more roads that are unnecessary and unsustainable, we should focus on repairing and maintaining the extensive system that already exists.
We urge the Forest Service to work collaboratively with hunters, anglers, state agencies, Tribes, and other stakeholders to adapt and improve the Roadless Rule, so it remains durable, practical, and aligned with the shared values of conservation, recreation, and community safety. A balanced approach will keep our forests healthy, protect communities, and sustain America’s sporting traditions for generations to come.
Finally, we respectfully request that USDA extend the current comment period by an additional 30 days. Given the complexity of this proposal and its far-reaching implications for clean water, wildlife, and public access, additional time is needed to allow stakeholders, including local communities, conservation organizations, and sporting groups—to provide informed and comprehensive input.
For these reasons, the Izaak Walton League of America urges USDA to maintain and strengthen the Roadless Rule, rather than rescind it, and to grant a 30-day extension of the comment period.
Sincerely,
Jared Mott
Conservation Director
Izaak Walton League of America
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