Potential Repeal of Roadless Rule Could Permanently Damage Midwest National Forests

Inside Climate News · By Sarah Mattalian · last updated July 22, 2025 – 1:07 AM

Regional experts believe eliminating the 2001 rule could impact the carbon capturing ability, fire resistance and integrity of the region’s forests.

By Sarah Mattalian

Following the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rescission of a longstanding rule that protects thousands of acres of national forests against logging, experts say that the repeal would not only damage natural beauty, but also ignores the interests of Midwest residents and industries.

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