Comment Letter: USDA Roadless Area Conservation Rule Oct 6, 2026 Comment Letters Agency: United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Subject: U.S. Department of Agriculture: Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation — Docket ID No. FS-2025-0001 Letter excerpt: The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) respectfully submits comments regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. ACWA appreciates USDA efforts that support active forest management strategies to help reduce wildfire risk, restore forest health, and protect watersheds and critical water infrastructure. USDA’s proposal would rescind the Roadless Rule to remove prohibitions on road construction, reconstruction, and timber harvesting on the nearly 59 million acres—or 30%— within inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands. Effective management of inventoried roadless areas can decrease damage to roads, forests, water sources, wildlife habitat, and recreation sites. ACWA urges USDA to consider the following comments. Download Comment Letter
