Rollback of Roadless Protections Threatens Wildlife and Drinking Water Across the U.S.

Proposed rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule would open nearly 59 million acres of inventoried roadless national forest to road construction and logging, risking wildlife habitat, watershed health, and drinking water for millions of Americans, including areas like Alaska’s Tongass; a 30-day public comment period is required and lawmakers are considering amendments to permanently remove protections, sparking debate between conservationists and industry.