Roadless Area Conservation
58.2 million acres of USFS land with less roads.
Roadless areas are on lands that are managed by the Forest Service to preserve the undeveloped character. Roadless areas feature large areas of undisturbed soil, water, and forest vegetation. Undisturbed landscapes are important to conserving biological diversity and providing ecological services.
Learn more about USFS Roadless areas in this new video:.
Roadless areas also include diverse plant and animal habitats and serve as habitat for threatened or endangered species as well as valuable sources of drinking water.
The Forest Service manages approximately 58.2 million acres of roadless areas in 39 states. This is about 30% of the lands managed by the Forest Service that offer recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, biking and off-road vehicles experiences.
Protecting and sustaining these roadless areas for present and future generations is the purpose of the Roadless Area Conservation Rules.
Roadless areas contain excellent opportunities to connect with the land. Roadless areas are not areas absent of any roads. They do have roads, just less of them. They have more undisturbed land between roads. New road construction and timber harvesting are prohibited in these areas, but there are some exceptions.
Get out and explore these treasured places. Plan an adventure to a Roadless area near you.