Nearly 50 Million Acres of Roadless National Forests Protected

Environment America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a tremendous victory for national forests across the country, a federal appeals court re-affirmed protection for nearly 50 million acres of roadless areas in our national forests by upholding the Clinton-era Roadless Area Conservation Rule. After spending the past decade tied up in the courts, today’s ruling is an important step in protecting nearly roadless areas in our national forests from the Rockies to the Appalachians.

In response to this landmark ruling, Environment America’s Preservation Advocate, Nancy Pyne issued the following statement:

“Our nation’s forests are not only a beautiful part of our natural heritage, but they provide clean air and water, essential habitat for wildlife and opportunities for Americans to connect with the great outdoors. The appeals court decision today reaffirms protections for nearly fifty million acres of our intact national forests, permanently protecting them from destructive road building associated with logging, mining, and drilling.

“When the Roadless Rule was announced 10 years ago, nearly two million Americans spoke out in favor of protecting our national forests from road-building. Today is not only a victory for conservation groups, but a victory for countless forest champions across the country.”