Hi Mother Jones Reader,

Right now, one of the biggest conservation wins of the modern era is under threat.  

For the last 25 years, the Roadless Rule has safeguarded millions of acres of our wildest public lands. These spectacular roadless forests support local businesses and economies that depend on outdoor recreation and tourism dollars, provide clean drinking water for downstream communities, create habitat for rare and endangered animals, are home to world-class trout fishing streams, and boast spectacular hiking and mountain biking trails—including more than 120 miles of the iconic Appalachian trail.  

But right now, despite overwhelming pushback, the Forest Service is taking major steps to get rid of the Roadless Rule. Scrapping this critically important policy would open up these incredible areas to unnecessary roadbuilding, harmful development, and destructive logging—projects that would leave long-lasting scars on these important landscapes and hurt the countless communities that rely on our public lands.  

There is no good reason to throw out this extremely popular, wildly successful policy. Research shows that fires are four times more likely to start near roads than in roadless forests. That means the Forest Service’s proposal would likely increase wildfire risk on our public lands.  

Luckily, there’s time to fight back. You can help the Southern Environmental Law Center tell the Forest Service to scrap its reckless proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule and instead continue protecting these incredible places for future generations. 

Thank you for standing up for our wildest forests.  

Sincerely,

Southern Environmental Law Center
120 Garrett St Ste 400, Charlottesville, VA 22902