Noah Rott, Deputy Press Secretary, noah.rott@sierraclub.org
Boise, ID — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened a public comment period on its proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule, a critical conservation policy safeguarding nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped national forest lands across the country.
The Idaho Sierra Club calls on community members, outdoor enthusiasts, and concerned citizens to submit comments opposing this rollback before the deadline on September 19, 2025. The repeal would directly impact treasured wildlands within our region that provide essential habitat, clean water, and recreation opportunities.
Key benefits of the roadless rule to local communities include:
- Economic Impact: Roadless areas drive local tourism, fuel businesses like outdoor outfitters, campgrounds, and lodges, and support rural economies.
- Environmental Resilience: These intact landscapes help reduce wildfire risk by limiting human-caused ignition sources and preserving ecosystem connectivity.
- Community Safety & Character: Clean water, wildlife habitat, and quiet forests are the heart of our forests and quality of life.
In response, Lisa Young, Director of Sierra Club’s Idaho Chapter released the following statement:
"Idaho's National Forests are interconnected to neighboring states, providing critical wildlife habitat and range that could be at risk of major development if the Roadless Rule is repealed. Idahoans are proud and rightly defensive of protecting public lands and won't stand for the Trump administration's attacks on our region's public lands. We encourage everyone to submit comments to stop the repeal of this landmark rule."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.