Roadless Rule Rollback Would Be Largest Loss of River Protections on Federal Land in U.S. History Threatening the Drinking Water of 25 Million Americans
Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org
WASHINGTON D.C. – In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement that it is proposing a complete rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule — a move that, if finalized, would be the largest loss of protections for rivers on federal lands in U.S. history — American Rivers released the following statement:
“Rolling back these public land protections gambles with our public drinking water supply,” said David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers. “We can’t have a strong and healthy nation without healthy rivers. And healthy rivers begin in healthy landscapes. When we fragment forests with more roads we increase wildfire risk, degrade water quality and all pay the price.”
Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected millions of acres of national forest lands that form the headwaters of some of the nation’s most critical drinking water sources.
Roadless areas safeguard more than 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, protecting fish and wildlife habitat and helping ensure clean drinking water for more than 25 million Americans, including residents of Denver, Atlanta, and Bozeman.
“The Roadless Rule safeguards millions of acres of forest from being developed and put at greater risk from catastrophic wildfire threatening the low-cost drinking water for 25 million Americans,” said Moryc.
The public comment period to oppose this rollback will begin August 20, 2026 and run until Sept. 21, 2026.
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About American Rivers
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 3.5 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers®. AmericanRivers.org