A core priority for our office is the removal of federal regulations that hinder active management and restrict public access. In 2025 and early 2026, Utah has seen significant progress in rescinding two major rules that threatened the state’s “multiple-use” mandate.

The USFS Roadless Rule

In Utah, “Inventoried Roadless Areas” encompass nearly 50% of National Forest Service administered lands. For 25 years, the 2001 Roadless Rule has acted as a barrier to active management for healthy forests, resulting in forests that are highly susceptible to insect infestations and catastrophic wildfires.

2026 Update: In August 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins initiated the formal process to rescind the Roadless Rule nationwide, with a final decision expected later this year.

The Impact: Rescinding this “one-size-fits-all” regulation allows local foresters to determine appropriate access for mechanical thinning and fuel reduction. This shift is essential for protecting Utah’s watersheds and implementing the active management strategies outlined in the 2026 Shared Stewardship Agreement.