Montana’s Backcountry Could Look Very Different Under New Rule

Federal Proposal Could Change Montana's Roadless Forests

As popular as hunting, fishing, camping, and just exploring are here in Montana, there's a pretty good chance you've found yourself somewhere with no road in sight.

If a new federal proposal moves forward, that could become a thing of the past.

USDA Proposes Repealing Roadless Area Conservation Rule

The USDA is proposing to repeal the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has protected roughly 45 million acres of national forest land from most new road construction and logging for the past 25 years.

Montana has a lot of those roadless areas, which is why this proposal could have a pretty big impact on people here in the Treasure State.

The administration says changing the rule could give the Forest Service more flexibility, including when it comes to wildfire prevention. But not everyone is convinced, and some groups are pushing back.

The Wilderness Society points to new research finding that wildfires were four times more likely to start near roads than in roadless forests.

That doesn't mean every new road would automatically lead to more wildfires, but it does challenge the idea that building more roads would result in fewer fires.

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What Could Happen To Montana's Backcountry?

There are also questions about what this could mean for Montana's backcountry, including wildlife habitat, clean water, and the places so many Montanans use for hunting and recreation.

Would we still be "The Last Best Place" if these changes happen?

If you have an opinion about what Montana's forests should look like 10, 20, or even 50 years from now, the USDA is opening a 30-day public comment period, with comments expected to be accepted through September 21.

Information will be available on the Forest Service's Roadless Areas webpage starting August 19.

Source: The Wilderness Society