Jackson, Wyo. – The Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) is inviting local residents to a series of postcard‑writing sessions this week aimed at preserving the federal Roadless Rule. The events give community members a chance to learn about the rule and directly contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) before the public‑comment deadline on Sept. 21.
When and where
Three sessions are scheduled:
- Sept. 2, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. – Driggs, Idaho, at Wydaho Roasters, 495 South Main Street
- Sept. 3, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. – Driggs, Idaho, same location
- Sept. 3, 5 p.m.–7:30 p.m. – Jackson, Wyoming, at Black Diamond Equipment, 160 West Pearl Ave.
All events are free; participants are encouraged to RSVP online. Those unable to attend can also submit comments through the USDA’s website.
Why the rule matters
The Roadless Rule, adopted in March 2001, bans new road construction, road reconstruction and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas of the National Forest System. It currently protects roughly 44 million acres nationwide, including 3,257,000 acres of roadless land in Wyoming.
On Aug. 18, President Trump announced the administration’s intent to rescind the rule in full. The USDA argues that the rule has become an “outdated restriction” that hampers forest‑management activities such as wildfire mitigation, road building and timber harvesting. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the change would lift regulatory burdens and let local forest managers make decisions that improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk to nearby communities.
Local opposition
GYC, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, warns that removing the rule could open millions of pristine acres to commercial logging, mining, oil and gas development, and additional road construction. The coalition cites a study indicating that 90 % of wildfires start within half a mile of a road, suggesting that more roads could increase fire danger.
A recent Keep It Public poll found that more than nine in ten Wyoming voters oppose selling or privatizing public lands. The poll also showed that 91 % of Republican respondents favor the current multiple‑use management approach over any sell‑off.
Political backdrop
Governor Mark Gordon has voiced support for rescinding the Roadless Rule, saying that local control of public‑land management leads to healthier forests and reduced fire risk. He praised USDA and U.S. Forest Service leaders for recognizing Wyoming’s “sensible stewardship.”
While the federal proposal moves forward, Colorado and Idaho retain their own state‑specific roadless protections, which will remain unchanged.
How to get involved
Residents who wish to defend the Roadless Rule can attend one of the postcard‑writing sessions, send a letter online, or simply share the information with neighbors. By speaking up now, Wyoming citizens can help ensure that the nation’s most treasured forest lands remain undeveloped for future generations.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
