On June 23, 2025, the Trump Administration announced plans to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects nearly a third of U.S. national forests from logging, road construction, and development. Of the 58.5 million acres of inventoried roadless areas covered under the 2001 Roadless Rule, the administration has deemed 28 million acres to be in areas at high or very high risk of wildfire. The administration contends rescission of the rule is necessary to manage forest lands with more flexibility allowing for swift action to reduce wildfire risk and help protect surrounding communities and infrastructure.
Many in the environmental community oppose the action and argue it is simply a ruse to boost timber production and resource extraction at the expense of the environment. The Foundation shares many of these concerns.