White House Ditches 'Roadless Rule', Draws Criticism from Patagonia; Public Encouraged to Express Opinions on the Matter
In a unified stand against the White House's plan to overturn the Roadless Rule, various outdoor organisations and renowned figures have joined forces. The coalition, which includes Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Outdoor Alliance (OA), and climbing legend Tommy Caldwell, alongside snowboarding icons Jeremy Jones and Nick Russell, have taken a firm stance against the proposed change.
The Trump administration's plan, if implemented, would open up 58 million acres of national forest to roadbuilding and logging. This proposal has sparked outrage among the outdoor community, with Tommy Caldwell urging his supporters to protest the White House's plan, highlighting the threat to public lands near his home in Estes Park, Colo.
The Roadless Rule, in place since 2001, limits new roads, timber harvest, and development across 58.5 million acres in 37 states. The rule has been instrumental in preserving these lands, but the Trump administration aims to overturn it, impacting 45 million acres of public lands.
Patagonia's CEO, Ryan Gellert, has voiced his opposition to the proposal, stating that rescinding the Roadless Rule is simply another way for the Trump administration to wring resources out of public lands. In an open letter published in Time magazine, Patagonia publicly called out the administration.
The comment period for the proposed overturning of the Roadless Rule ends on September 19. The public can send their comments directly to the government through Regulations.gov. An interactive map has been created by the alliance to showcase the public lands under threat if the Roadless Rule is overturned.
The outdoor recreation and public lands access nongovernmental organization, Outdoor Alliance (OA), has an online tool for supporters to leave a comment. Jeremy Jones has also taken to Instagram, urging his followers to make their voices heard, stating, "we have fought this off before and we can do it again if everyone makes their voices heard."
The USDA claims that rescinding the Roadless Rule will help address wildfires and encourage responsible forest management. However, the outdoor community remains adamant in their opposition, citing the potential loss of pristine wilderness areas, climbing routes, whitewater paddling runs, and trails.
As the deadline for public comments approaches, the outdoor community continues to rally, urging the public to take a stand and protect the Roadless Rule.
Read also:
- Russia, according to Zelensky, lacks the prowess for launching another significant offensive.
- Russia's Latest Peace Proposals for Donbas: New Diplomatic Landscape Emerges amid Alaska Summit, Potentially Opening Ceasefire Opportunities
- Amidst India's escalating climate crisis, transgender individuals continue to persevere
- Contentious Discussion Surrounding the Movie Release of "Planet of the Humans"
