Here in the Midwest, 512,000 acres of roadless areas are at risk, including in Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Michigan’s Ottawa, Hiawatha, and Huron-Manistee National Forests, Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, Minnesota’s Superior and Chippewa National Forests, and elsewhere.
These are some of the last unbroken forests in our region, and once they are lost, we cannot get them back.
The decision rests with Secretary Rollins, who oversees the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is the parent agency of the U.S. Forest Service. She has the authority to stop this rollback and protect our forests for generations to come.
The Roadless Rule has worked for nearly 25 years, ensuring these forests remain intact for clean water, wildlife, and recreation. It is one of the most popular and effective conservation policies in our nation’s history. Rolling it back now would be a step backward for our environment, our health, and our communities.
This public comment period is our chance to show strong opposition. By speaking up now, we can help keep roadless protections in place and safeguard these forests for the future.
