There’s been a lot of media chatter lately surrounding the possible reworking of the “Roadless Rule”. Many are claiming that the Trump administration is seeking to dismantle it completely, gutting protections for 44.7 million acres of public land. Others, myself included, have witnessed the weaponization of the Roadless Rule to shut down or limit public access to vast swathes of formerly accessible public land.
This is just my opinion but at its core the Roadless Rule protections were a good thing; an attempt to safeguard habitat and important natural resources. However, like the Endangered Species Act I feel they’ve gone too far and need to be revisited and reworked.
I’ve seen a lot of hunting opportunities lost due to the Roadless Rule thanks to making access all but impossible for folks without horses or the ability to walk long distances (older hunters and kids).
Do I think we throw the baby out with the bathwater and completely eliminate the Roadless Rule? No. Do I think there is room for improvement and revamping? Absolutely!
I do think that the current and past administrations do a very poor job communicating their intentions when it comes to policies such as this. Because of that I have a deep-seated distrust of government in general and watch them all like a hawk.
That is why I’ve included a link to the public comment form for the Environmental Impact Statement of the Roadless Rule. Please click the link and let your voice be heard. I would also recommend emailing and calling your elected officials to let them know how you feel about this topic and demand explanations and transparency.
A government of the people, by the people and for the people only works if the people participate in its processes.
