Trump Plans to End Forest Protections on 58 million Acres. (06, 23, 2025)

What is happening here?

The Trump administration announced plans to roll back protections on 58 million acres of national forests by repealing the "roadless rule," a 2001 law that has kept about a third of America's forest land wild and untouched for over 20 years. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the old regulation was outdated and that removing it would allow for "responsible forest management" and timber production. However, this isn't an official executive order yet but rather an announcement of the administration's intention to begin the repeal process. Environmental groups are promising to fight the move in court, arguing it could destroy untouched wilderness areas, while the administration says the change would help with forest fire prevention and sustainable resource management.

*This is not an official order

What does this mean for us?

Young adults who work in rural communities or the timber industry could see new job opportunities if the plan moves forward, as opening these lands to development and logging might create positions in construction, forestry, and resource extraction. Some young people living in areas near national forests might also benefit from improved access roads that could make camping, hiking, and outdoor recreation easier in previously hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, supporters argue that active forest management could reduce wildfire risks, which have increasingly threatened communities and displaced young people in recent years.

For many young adults who prioritize environmental protection and climate action, this plan represents a significant loss of irreplaceable wilderness areas that have been protected for their entire lives. The removal of roadless protections could mean fewer pristine natural spaces for future generations to enjoy for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures that many young people value. From an environmental perspective, increased logging and road construction in these areas could contribute to habitat destruction and climate change at a time when many young adults are already concerned about inheriting a damaged planet. The plan could also eliminate potential green jobs in conservation and sustainable tourism that appeal to environmentally minded young workers.

Source:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/23/climate/trump-end-protections-for-58-million-acres-of-national-forests.html