- The Department of Agriculture is seeking public feedback on its plans to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule.
- Utah officials see fire prevention benefits, but conservationists urge collaborative protection of forests.
LOGAN — How we enjoy and protect the outdoors could undergo some significant changes if the Department of Agriculture follows through with its intent to rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule.
The agency stated its intent to do so on Friday, while seeking public feedback through Sept. 19. The action comes as the agency responds to President Trump's calls to allow more logging on public lands.
Utah Deputy State Fire Management Officer Taiga Rohrer had previously stated that the careful execution of these efforts could help thin out thick forests that might otherwise fuel destructive, catastrophic wildfires.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Logan Canyon had mixed reactions to the proposal on Monday.
"It's probably better to provide the roads so our firemen can get in there where it's safe," Cheri Soulier said. "If the trees need to be thinned, then there's going to be (a) fire. It's whether we take control and we manually do it, or (the) fire takes control and does the thinning."
"If they're just using it for materials and just in general commercial use, I feel like I'm pretty against that," Zac Graham said. "I love what we have. I think Utah's wildlife and, you know, forests are beautiful and world-class. (And) it's heartbreaking to hear that we want to destroy it for logging."
The roadless rule currently protects nearly 45 million acres of forest. Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited, who advised the creation of the 2001 rule, said in a statement that he'd rather a more collaborative, transparent process.
"Rather than rescinding the roadless rule and allowing that chaos to unfold, we encourage the Forest Service to work with stakeholders to develop solutions that continue to protect roadless areas and intact fish and wildlife habitat," Wood said.
Trout Unlimited has compiled interactive maps showing the National Forest areas that are currently protected by the 2001 Roadless Rule.
