For Immediate Release:
Aug. 27, 2025
Contact:
Media@backcountryhunters.org
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Readies Grassroots Network for Roadless Rule Comment Period
MISSOULA, Mont.—Since 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has safeguarded some of the nation’s most wild and pristine public lands. Its creation followed 600 public meetings and more than 1.6 million comments, with 95% in support—a groundswell of hunters, anglers, and citizens demanding strong protections for America’s backcountry. Now, those safeguards are under attack.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, it will publish a notice in the Federal Register to begin developing an environmental impact statement for a proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) strongly opposes rescinding the rule entirely, warning that it would strip protections from more than 45 million acres of wild, roadless national forest lands—backcountry strongholds that hunters and anglers rely on for healthy fish and wildlife habitat, unparalleled opportunities in the field, and clean water.
In response, BHA is urging its members, supporters, and all who value America’s backcountry to be ready to speak out when the public comment period opens this Friday.
"The Roadless Rule has proven itself as one of the best tools we have to conserve intact habitat and clean water while still giving the Forest Service the ability to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health," said Devin O'Dea, Western Policy & Conservation Manager for BHA. "Rather than abandon this proven framework, we encourage the USDA to look at alternatives to refine the rule and create an enduring framework that safeguards our backcountry hunting and fishing opportunities while working to adapt to today’s wildfire challenges. Walking away from it altogether likely enhances fire risk, degrades habitat, and erodes the backcountry character that is essential to our outdoor heritage."
The National Forest System already contains twice as many miles of roads as the U.S. interstate highway system. Expanding this network would fragment wildlife habitat, degrade water quality, and increase wildfire risk: approximately 85% of wildfires are human-caused, and on average, 90% ignite within half a mile of a road.
A Call for Action
BHA is calling on Congress to reject efforts to rescind the Roadless Rule and instead safeguard it permanently by advancing the Roadless Area Conservation Act. At the same time, the organization is mobilizing hunters, anglers, and all public lands owners to make their voices heard. Beginning Friday, Aug. 29, BHA’s Action Alert will provide an easy way for members and supporters to submit public comments opposing the rollback and to contact their elected officials directly.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. To learn more about issues important to BHA’s membership, visit https://www.backcountryhunters.org/our_issues.
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