09/09/2026
There’s less than two weeks to speak up for the Roadless Rule.
Ten years ago, our teammate Michael thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail at age 21. When he recently looked at the areas affected by the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule, he found himself tracing that journey again.
“When I looked at the map highlighting the roadless areas that could lose national protections, I couldn’t believe how many appeared along the Appalachian Trail. As I traced the route, they brought me back to memories from my 2016 thru-hike.
Growing up on the East Coast, access to wilderness without roads gave me a rare sense of serenity, peace and self-reflection. That hike launched a lifelong passion for long-distance hiking. These places hold some of the most meaningful memories of my life and helped shape who I am today.
I submitted a public comment in favor of keeping existing protections because I want these places to remain living and wild, and I want future generations to have the chance to form their own memories there.”
The Roadless Rule currently applies to nearly 45 million acres of National Forest System lands. USDA has proposed rescinding it, which would remove the rule’s national restrictions on road construction, road reconstruction and timber harvesting.
Public comments close September 21 and it's our chance to speak up. Learn more and submit a comment sharing why these places matter to you at kahtoola.com/speak-up