Conservation Group Opposes Trump Plan to End Roadless Rule

Conservation Group Opposes Trump Plan to End Roadless Rule

August 19, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

A US conservation group has criticised a Trump administration proposal to end longstanding protections for more than 45 million acres of undeveloped national forestland, warning that the move could expose areas near national parks to mining, drilling and road construction.

The National Parks Conservation Association said the proposal to remove the Roadless Area Conservation Rule could affect ecosystems surrounding some of the country’s best-known national parks.

The rule, introduced in 2001, restricts most new road construction, large-scale logging and certain extractive activities in designated areas of national forests.

According to an NPCA analysis, nearly 17.5 million acres, or about 30 percent, of land protected under the rule lies within 30 miles of national park land.

The organisation said removing the protections could make these areas more vulnerable to roadbuilding, oil and gas development, mining and other forms of development.

Stephanie Adams, wildlife programme director at the NPCA, said the proposal could weaken protections for parks and surrounding ecosystems.

“Proposing to end the Roadless Rule is the latest dangerous attempt by the administration to undo America’s conservation legacy in favour of development at all costs,” she said.

The group identified Mesa Verde, North Cascades, Capitol Reef and Theodore Roosevelt national parks, as well as the Appalachian Trail, among areas that could face increased development pressure.

NPCA said roadless areas provide habitat for species including grizzly bears, elk, salmon and songbirds and also support recreational activities such as hiking, fishing and hunting.

The US Department of Agriculture announced the proposal on August 18, arguing that removing roadless restrictions would help address wildfire risks.

NPCA disputed that argument, saying the existing rule already allows certain forest management activities aimed at reducing wildfire risks.

The proposal is expected to trigger a new debate over the future of public lands, balancing conservation protections against the administration’s push for expanded resource development and forest management.

Source: FSX Business News