Tell Congress: Oppose H.R. 7695 and Protect Roadless Public Lands

H.R. 7695, introduced by Harriet Hageman, would repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule and open millions of acres of National Forest lands to new road construction and increased habitat fragmentation. 

For hunters and anglers, roadless areas conserve some of the best remaining fish and wildlife habitats in the country. These intact landscapes support fisheries, secure wildlife habitat, clean drinking water, and high-quality hunting and fishing opportunities. 

The Forest Service already manages roughly 370,000 miles of roads and faces a massive, deferred maintenance backlog. H.R. 7695 would also direct the Forest Service to construct new roads for certain restoration and hazardous fuels reduction activities. Hunters and anglers are not facing a shortage of road access on public lands, we are facing a shortage of intact habitat and healthy watersheds. 

BHA supports active forest management and science-based wildfire mitigation. Roadless Areas do not hinder this work and are not wilderness closures. Hunting, fishing, grazing, recreation, habitat improvement projects, and hazardous fuels reduction already occur within these landscapes under the existing rule. 

The original Roadless Rule followed one of the largest public engagement efforts in federal land management history, with overwhelming public participation from Americans across the country. Congress should not dismantle these long-standing protections without careful public input and scrutiny. 

Tell your Representative to oppose H.R. 7695 and conserve America's public lands for future generations of hunters and anglers.