People’s Public Hearing on Roadless Rule Repeal near Franklin, NC

The 2001 Roadless Rule has protected 59 million acres of US Forest Service land from road construction and logging for over 25 years. Now the Forest Service is proposing to rescind the rule, which would make way for road building, logging, and mining in America’s last great places. The Roadless Rule was finalized in 2001 after years of planning and public consultation. Over 600 public meetings were held and 1.6 million public comments were received on the rule, with 97% in favor of protecting the last wild areas in America from roadbuilding and commercial logging.

While most Roadless Areas are in the western US and Alaska, North Carolina is blessed with more public land and wild country than most eastern states. About 15%, or 152,000 acres, of Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests are protected by the Roadless Rule. These areas include well-known and beloved places like Cheoah Bald, South Mills River, Laurel Mountain, the Black Mountains, Tusquitee Bald, and Upper Wilson Creek. Roadless areas provide the best remaining fish and wildlife habitat in the nation, and unique recreational opportunities. Ending the roadless rule is nothing more than a handout to a small group of people that would benefit from logging and mining them.

In 2001 the Forest Service held hundreds of meetings and collected 1.6 million comments with 95% of people in favor of the rule. Today, the Forest Service is holding no public meetings, so we’re providing a forum for you to make your voice heard!