BRADFORD, Pa. — In June, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Trump administration was rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, opening up more federal lands for logging.

In her announcement, Rollins said the action would “remove prohibitions on road construction, reconstruction and timber harvest on nearly 59 million acres of the National Forest System, allowing for fire prevention and responsible timber production.”

A press release from her office stated, “This outdated administrative rule contradicts the will of Congress and goes against the mandate of the USDA Forest Service to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands.”

Locally, in the Allegheny National Forest, approximately 25,000 acres of roadless areas were protected under this rule. However, the Allegheny’s unique situation with private mineral rights under 93% of the forest made it accessible for drilling and other development despite the Roadless Rule.

This action is a plus for the region, said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa.

“The Roadless Rule is a decades-old midnight regulation, put into effect to appease an out-of-touch environmental movement during the final days of Bill Clinton’s presidency,” the congressman said. “Fast forward a generation and the policy has only shown to impede proper forest management, fueling catastrophic wildfires within the 59 million acres that make up our National Forest System.”

He continued, “I applaud USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and President Trump for rescinding the rule and remain excited at the prospect of making our resources and public lands work for the American people, especially those living in and around the Allegheny National Forest.”

LOCAL-LEVEL MANAGEMENT

Rescinding the rule will allow the federal land to be managed at the local forest level, with more flexibility to take swift action to reduce wildfire risk and help protect surrounding communities and infrastructure, Rollins said.

Next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1, will see the ANF sell 45 million board feet of lumber, an increase of more than 12% over the current rate, said Alisen Downs, public affairs specialist for the Forest Service. It’s part of a push by the Trump administration to boost domestic lumber supplies.

A portion of timber sale proceeds from the ANF goes to the counties where the national forest lies — McKean, Warren, Elk and Forest — to make up for tax revenue lost by having federal land in their counties.

A memo sent to regional foresters and deputy chiefs from Christopher French, acting associate chief of the Forest Service, called for increasing forest management “to improve both the prosperity of rural America and the health of our forests. Our efforts will lead to an increase in America’s wood independence, a thriving wood products economy, and the protection of our water supply.”

French called for regional foresters to develop five-year plans to increase the timber volume offered by 25% over the next four to five years. For the ANF, that’s capped at an annual harvest of 54.1 million board feet, as defined by its ongoing 2007 forest management plan.

Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said, “The forests we see today are not the same as the forests of 2001. They are dangerously overstocked and increasingly threatened by drought, insect-borne disease and wildfire.”

Speaking of the end of the Roadless Rule, he continued, “Currently, nearly half of our roadless acres — over 28 million — are at high or very high risk of catastrophic wildfire and are in desperate need of treatment. I applaud Secretary Rollins for taking decisive action to provide us with the tools and decision space we need to truly care for our forests and, in turn, protect the people and communities we serve.”

The Forest Landowners Association (FLA) was on board with the move as well.

Scott Jones, CEO, said rescinding the rule was “an important step in eliminating regulatory barriers that hinder forest management on public lands.”

He said, “This action will help reduce wildfire risk and promote healthier, more resilient forests through active, science-based management. We look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to advance policies that strengthen forest markets and keep working forests productive across all ownerships. Improved management on our national forests — many of which border private lands — will reduce the spread of pests, disease, and catastrophic fire, benefiting forests nationwide.”

Jones added FLA remains committed to partnering with the Trump administration “to ensure family forest owners have the certainty they need through enhanced disaster recovery tools and access to emerging markets, including woody biomass, mass timber, and sustainable aviation fuel. Together, we can sustain America’s forest legacy and strengthen the nation’s wood supply for generations to come.”

STEPS TO TAKE

The Forest Service said implementing the end of the Roadless Rule will require several steps — “preparation of environmental analysis, compliance with the Endangered Species Act, tribal consultation and coordination with affected states. The rulemaking process is a three-stage effort including the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking, notice of proposed rulemaking, and the final rule.”

The American Forest Resource Council said since the rule was imposed, an estimated 36 million acres of National Forest System lands have burned.

“It’s important to remember: the Roadless Rule is a rule, not a law passed or ratified by Congress, despite a quarter-century to do so. It has often undermined Congress’s intent to actively manage federal forests and reduce risks to public lands and nearby communities,” a statement from the agency read. “Rescinding the rule does not upend environmental laws like the National Environmental Policy Act or the Endangered Species Act.”

As for Rollins, she commented, “Our forests need thoughtful management, not neglect. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are changing course. We are restoring authority to local line officers, cutting red tape, and giving the Forest Service the ability to manage the lands effectively.

“The Roadless Rule has failed. It’s time to turn the page. Let’s give forest stewards the tools they need. Let’s unlock America’s resources, protect our communities, and build a stronger, safer future for our forests.”