Community Connections: Forest Service Considers Lifting Roadless Protections in White Mountains

The U.S. Forest Service is considering removing protections from approximately 235,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest.

The proposal would rescind the 2001 Roadless Rule, which restricts road construction and logging in undeveloped areas of national forests.

Federal officials say removing the rule could provide local land managers with greater flexibility in managing national forest lands, including efforts related to wildfire prevention.

However, tourism leaders are raising concerns about the potential impact on recreation and on businesses that depend on visitors to the White Mountains.

The proposal is currently open for public comment, giving members of the public an opportunity to share their views.