Roadless Rule Under Fire | Charlotte News

The feds are rolling back a 20-year-old rule protecting millions of acres of pristine forest — but environmentalists are sounding the alarm. The “roadless rule,” designed to keep logging and roads out of wild areas, is being scrapped by the USDA, claiming it’ll boost local economies and forest management. Critics say it could unleash destruction, risking clean water, wildlife, and rare ecosystems — and that the economic gains are overstated, with road building costing millions and harming recreation. The Secretary of Agriculture argues overgrown forests are fire hazards, but conservationists say controlled burns already happen and wildfires are rare in these areas — especially since most start near roads. Public comments are open until September 21. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7ce065934159e208