Act For Public Lands and Forests

Most recent update:

Speak up for national forests

25 years ago, the US Forest Service held more than 600 public meetings in the process to create the Roadless Rule, one of the most important conservation measures in history - and it could soon be repealed.

The Forest Service’s process to repeal may not include a single public meeting – so our community is hosting our own.

Join us to speak up for your national forests.

Roadless Rule Town Hall

Thu, Jun 4, 2026; 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM  (Central)

The Northwoods Conference Center, 5350 College Dr, Rhinelander, WI

25 years ago, the US Forest Service held more than 600 public meetings in the process to create the Roadless Rule, one of the most important conservation measures in history - and it could soon be repealed.

The Forest Service’s process to repeal may not include a single public meeting – so our community is hosting our own.

Join us to speak up for your national forests.

Button to RSVP

Bonus event: We are hiking the Northwoods that day, prior to the townhall. RSVP for the hike here. 

Why it Matters

Public lands help protect this sense of place that is critical for sustaining the identities of local communities. By preserving the landscape and keeping it open to the public, communities are also able to foster and strengthen social ties.

In addition to this important benefit, public lands also provide both health and economic benefits. For the National Parks in Wisconsin alone, visitor spending in 2018 totaled over $56M and created at least 800 jobs. That’s not even including all the other state parks and public recreation areas!

While the health benefits are slightly harder to monetize, conserving land helps clean the air and can even reduce stress and anxiety.

However, for many the dream of visiting public lands remains elusive, particularly for Communities of Color and low-income communities. An analysis by the Center of American Progress and Conservation Science Partners discovered that these communities have less access to open space and natural areas than the rest of the population. Key barriers that exist include lack of information or gear, and financial or transportation difficulties.

We are working hard to diminish these barriers to access while also protecting the public lands and forests that we do have. With your help, the outdoors can be accessible to all!