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Commission backs environmental‐review process, supports rescinding 2001 ‘roadless rule’ to allow local forest management
Summary
The commission approved a letter supporting an Environmental Impact Statement and broadly favoring rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule so local and state managers have more latitude to manage forests, citing wildfire and forest health concerns and noting that about 30% of county forest lands are in inventoried roadless areas.
San Juan County commissioners voted Sept. 16 to send a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture supporting preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) and expressing broad support for rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, which restricts new road construction and large‑scale timber harvest in inventoried roadless areas.
Why it matters: roughly 30% of forested lands in San Juan County are in the federal inventory roadless classification; rescinding the rule would change management options, potentially allowing more active forest treatments intended to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health.
Staff presentation and county position Nick (county staff) briefed the commission on the USDA proposal to rescind the 2001 rule and the agency’s plan to prepare an EIS; the commission’s letter supports the EIS and the proposed change so state and local managers have more latitude to do active forestry treatments in consultation with local governments and stakeholders.
County concerns and rationale Staff and commissioners framed support around wanting more active‑management tools to reduce dense understory and crown‑fire risk, while recognizing that any change requires careful environmental review. Commissioners asked staff to ensure maps and public comment opportunities are highlighted so local stakeholders can participate in the EIS process.
Vote and follow up The commission moved and approved the letter of comment in support of the EIS and rescission direction; staff will file the county’s comments with the USDA before the Sept. 19 comment deadline.
Ending County staff reiterated that the EIS process will provide a formal venue for public‑comment, technical review and interagency coordination before any regulatory changes become final.
