Under the Roadless Rule, the largest national forest in America is now protected from development. Wednesday’s announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture indicated that roadless protections had been restored to 9.37 Million Acres of Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that the Tongass was key to conserving biodiversity and addressing climate crisis. He also said that the decision was a response to the demands of Alaska Native tribesmen and the people of Southeast, while also acknowledging the importance of tourism and fishing to the region’s economies.
In a press release, the agency stated that it received around 112,000 comments from the public in the two-months following the start of the Roadless Rule process. Most of the comments were favorable.
In 2001, the Clinton administration ended and the Roadless Rule was in effect. It prohibited road construction, reconstruction, and timber harvest in most Tongass areas and other national forests.
However, under the Trump administration more than half the national forest was taken from Roadless Rule protectionsspan styling=”font-weight 400 ;”>. Tribes in Southeast Alaska and environmental groups quickly sued, claiming that the decision ignored overwhelming opposition.
Over the past two decades, numerous Alaska governors and members from the state’s congressional delegation have opposed the rule, claiming it hinders resource development and economic growth.
Correction: An earlier version incorrectly stated the number of acres that were reclaimed Roadless Rule protections.
