Trump Admin Targets Roadless Forest Rules | Richmond News

The Trump administration is rolling back a 2001 rule that shielded millions of acres of national forests from logging and development, calling it outdated and too restrictive. The Forest Service argues local managers need more flexibility to tackle wildfire risks, insect outbreaks, and disease — claiming overgrown forests are becoming tinderboxes. But environmentalists warn this move threatens old-growth forests, wildlife, and water sources, and could harm communities dependent on these ecosystems. Scientists note climate change is a bigger driver of wildfires than just fuel buildup. The proposal, which includes a public comment period until September 21, reverses protections originally put in place by the Clinton administration — echoing past reversals like the one in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, later undone by Biden. Critics say removing broad protections opens the door to more roads and logging, potentially worsening fire risks — while the Forest Service insists no new logging or road construction is required. 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/a9b6e03c38ab6371