At the moment, the current administration is taking final steps to roll back a longstanding policy, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, that has helped safeguard some of our most treasured outdoor spaces since 2001. The proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule could leave nearly 45 millions acres of wild, pristine national forest lands vulnerable to development. Many of California’s national forests are home to these protected Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs), including the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino National Forests. These special places provide communities with clean drinking water and opportunities for recreation as well as serve as important habitat for native plants and wildlife. This action comes at a critical moment, as our public lands face growing threats and continued efforts to dismantle well established protections.
Now is the time to push back and show our support for the places we all love! We have until midnight on September 21 to speak up in support of this federal policy and make sure it stays in place. You can submit your public comment directly on the government website (regulations.gov) or through our actions page (sc.org/roadlessrule). Please take a moment to share, in your own words, why roadless areas matter to you and encourage others to follow suit.
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was adopted after years of work and an incredible amount of public input. More than 1.6 million people submitted comments during its formation, with 97% in favor of the Rule. Let’s carry this legacy forward so that future generations can benefit from roadless areas for years to come.