09/03/2026
Roadless areas are where we ride, hike, and paddle — and right now, they're facing the most serious threat in their 25+ year history.
On August 18, USDA moved to fully rescind the Roadless Rule, putting 45 million acres of national forest on the chopping block for new roads, logging, and mining — permanently, in most cases. Once these places are developed, the clean water, wildlife habitat, and backcountry access they provide don't come back.
The recreation stakes are massive: 25,000+ miles of trail, 10,000+ climbing routes, and nearly 1,000 miles of whitewater are on the line.
The window to stop this is small and closing fast — the comment period ends September 21. This rule has beaten back attacks before because people showed up: a record 1.6 million comments in 2001, and 625,000+ more last year, the vast majority opposed to repealing it. It needs that again, now.
The public comment period is open now through September 21. This is one of the only real windows to weigh in before the decision is final.
📣 What you can do:
Leave a public comment opposing the rescission before 9/21 (link in bio)
Call or message your representatives and tell them to oppose it. The U.S. Capitol switchboard is (202) 224-3121.
Alongside The Conservation Alliance and our fellow Business for Public Lands members, TripOutside is standing up for these pristine areas.
