Defend the Roadless Rule Update

Tell Congress to Save the South’s Wildest Places

Sarah Francisco of the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) regarding the serious threat to the Roadless Rule

Today I joined Senator Tim Kaine and Representative Jennifer McClellan from Virginia to mark the 25th anniversary of the Roadless Rule, a landmark policy that safeguards some of Virginia’s wildest forests.

But this momentous anniversary comes as the Forest Service is planning to get rid of the rule, a reckless move that would do long-lasting damage to these remarkable public lands and the communities that depend on them.  

For the last quarter-century, the rule has protected more than 730,000 acres of public lands in the South from unnecessary roadbuilding and harmful industrial development. These spectacular roadless places boast world-famous hiking trails, create important habitat for wildlife, are home to crystal clear trout fishing streams, provide drinking water for downstream communities, and support local economies and small businesses that depend on outdoor recreation and tourism dollars.   The Forest Service’s plan to rescind the Roadless Rule would open these wild forests up to destructive roadbuilding, logging, and mining projects. This misguided decision would leave permanent scars on these incredible landscapes while doing long-lasting harm to nearby communities.    The agency’s plan is extremely unpopular, and Congressional opposition is building. You can help fight for the South’s wildest forests by telling your Representative and Senators to join the growing number of people pushing back on the Forest Service’s plan to throw out the Roadless Rule.

Thank you for helping us defend our public lands,  

Sarah Francisco

Director, Virginia Office

Southern Environmental Law Center

Tell Congress to fight for the roadless rule | Southern Environmental Law Center