The Trump administration is rolling back protections on 30 percent of national forest lands, impacting millions of acres nationwide.

Officials announced sweeping changes to the U.S. Forest Service, including relocating headquarters to Utah and eliminating over 90 percent of research stations; separately, the administration is rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule. This rule has protected about 58 million acres from road construction, logging, and mining for 25 years and its rescission could represent a significant change in federal land management.

More than 70 outdoor companies, such as Patagonia and Columbia Sportswear, alongside advocacy groups like The Conservation Alliance, have mobilized in opposition, while the Wilderness Society has also expressed strong opposition to the Roadless Rule rollback. A 21-day public comment period on the Roadless Rule rollback is set to open soon and will run through September 19. Oregon representatives and environmental organizations are urging public opposition, while some companies plan to lobby Congress in Washington, D.C.

While Montana is not a primary focus of the opposition coverage, roughly 37 percent of its forest acreage falls under the Roadless Rule protections at risk. Given Montana’s reliance on forest resources and outdoor recreation, these federal changes could influence local economies, conservation priorities, and business interests tied to public lands. The state’s rural character might also affect how shifts in forest management are received and managed regionally.

Outdoor companies join coalition opposing USFS restructuring

By The Missoula Current News – Daily News in Missoula Montana