NORTH CASCADES, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Public comments are being requested for a proposed repeal which stands to impact thousands of acres of North Cascades forestland.
The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule established prohibitions on road construction and timber harvesting on National Forest System lands.
Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced her department’s plan to rescind the rule, claiming that it acts as a barrier to wildfire prevention and forest management.
The Trump administration had said they would repeal the rule last June, which several leaders for Washington state pushed back against.
The Roadless Rule currently prevents development on over 2 million acres of Washington forestland, including areas in the North Cascades.
Conservation group Washington Wild claims road development and timber harvesting could harm untouched areas like Maple Pass and parts of Mt. Baker. According to the group, undeveloped forests provide serene hiking locations, combat climate change and act as important habitats for fish and wildlife.
The USDA announced last Thursday (Aug. 20) that it will be accepting written comments from the public until Sept. 21. Information and ways to comment can be found on the regulations website.
