Forum: Our wild places benefit from the Roadless Rule

Published 1:30 am Saturday, June 27, 2026

Drive the Mountain Loop Highway from Granite Falls to Darrington, and you traverse ancient forests. Hike the many trails, and you pass under centuries-old trees. Most of the Mountain Loop Highway is in the Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest. Approximately 20% of the forest is designated an Inventoried Roadless Area. It’s one of many wild places on public lands benefiting from the Roadless Rule. The Trump administration has announced its intent to rescind this vital protection.

Instituted in 1999, the Roadless Rule prohibits road construction in 30% of national forest lands, ensuring some of the country’s last intact ecosystems remain undeveloped. Roadless areas are vital habitat, important drinking water sheds for communities across the country, and popular outdoor destinations for hiking, hunting, fishing, camping and exploring.

The administration claims this repeal will increase timber harvest and reduce wildfire risk – but the facts say otherwise. Research shows humans cause 85% of wildfires, and 95% occur within half a mile of a road. More roads mean more fires.

There is a reason roadless forests were not cut in the logging heyday of the late 20th century. Roadless areas can be steep or hard to reach, and getting there is expensive. Logging projects – including the building of logging roads – rely heavily on taxpayer dollars.

Fortunately, the end of the Roadless Rule is not a sure thing. Watch for the public comment period occurring soon. When it opens, speak out loudly against repeal, letting the administration know Washingtonians value our public lands.

Sno-Isle Sierra Club Executive Committee

Cynthia Jones, co-chair

Nancy Johnson, co-chair

Malcolm Cumming

Elliot Hazzard

David Jones

Brook Willeford