Sierra Club Montana Chapter Calls for Roadless Rule Comments

Missoula, MT- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened a public comment period on its proposed repealof the Roadless Rule, a critical conservation policy safeguarding nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped national forest lands across the country and 6.4 million acres in Montana.

The Montana Chapter calls on community members, outdoor enthusiasts, and concerned citizens to submit comments opposing this rollback before the deadline on September 19, 2025. The repeal would lead to increased development and mechanized intrusion into treasured public landsthat provide wildlife habitat, clean water and recreation opportunities.

"Montana relies on the economic benefits from tourism and recreation that are kept wild and free from destructive human development," said Caryn Miske, Montana Chapter Director. "Our state is uniquely built around these incredible wild spaces -- they are essential to our character and provide so many protections to us that the Trump administration wants to completely ignore at the behest of big industries."

"These roadless lands are the last best pieces of wildlife range in Montana -- secure habitat that ensures healthy populations of elk, deer, bears and so many more wildlife species," said Nick Gevock, Sierra Club Northern Rockies Wildlands and Wildlife strategist."Opening these lands up to large scale road building, industrial development and ATV use will only drive elk further onto private lands. These lands were designated in the Roadless Rule because they're steep, rocky and lack significant timber, but they do have incredible wildlife values. We need to keep them that way."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.