Texas BHA Chapter Opposes Roadless Rule Rescission

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which provides additional protections for approximately 58 million acres of Inventoried Roadless Areas nationwide. These areas support healthy fish and wildlife habitat, protect clean water, and provide opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, and backcountry recreation. In Texas, approximately 4,000 acres covered by the rule are located in the Sam Houston National Forest, while millions more acres in states like New Mexico, Wyoming, and Utah provide public-land hunting opportunities for Texans who travel west.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers opposed rescission because intact roadless areas preserve wild places, limit habitat fragmentation, and help ensure future generations can enjoy quality public-land hunting and fishing. Following the close of the comment period, nearly 1 million comments had been submitted to the Forest Service, with 99.1% opposing rescission. BHA's Action Alert Center alone generated 98,921 actions, demonstrating the strength of hunters' and anglers' voices nationwide. Texas BHA's comments included parcels and details specific to each location that could be affected. These comments helped ensure Texans were part of this national effort to protect our public lands.

Read Texas BHA's comments to the Forest Service