Action Alert: Protect Backcountry Forest Recreation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to rescind the Roadless Rule that currently protects over 45 million acres of national forests and grasslands from development, including nearly 2 million acres of U.S. Forest Service managed land in Washington State. Rolling back protections threatens the recreation and conservation values these lands were intended to protect by opening them to future road development, timber harvests, and mining.
Roadless Areas are extremely valuable to the Washington mountain biking community since they provide protection and access to some of the most iconic backcountry trails in the state. There is a good chance that your favorite backcountry trail is in a designated roadless area.
Trails like Kachess Ridge (pictured below), Devil’s Gulch, Angel’s Staircase, Kettle Crest, Cutthroat Pass, Esmeralda Basin, Palisades, Strawberry Ridge, and many more, as well as the natural areas that surround them, could all be threatened if the Roadless Rule is rescinded.
Photo by Henri Halle // Evergreen Staff Vivika Stamolis riding Kachess Ridge.
Even if you haven’t had a chance to ride these trails, chances are you have heard of their legendary status.
Act now to protect our Roadless Areas and the unique backcountry experiences they provide.
Check out Outdoor Alliance for additional information about the proposed rescission, including an interactive map of Roadless Area locations and a form to submit comments. A general form letter is provided for your convenience but it is always recommended to customize your feedback with personal experiences and examples.
Comments are due by September 19th.
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance partners with other recreation stakeholders as an active member of Outdoor Alliance to provide a larger voice on advocacy issues.
Backcountry mountain bike trails this would impact:
Kettle Crest
Cutthroat Pass
Bear Mountain (Loup Loup)
Angel's Staircase
Devil's Gulch
Nason Ridge
Icicle Ridge
Teanaway- Esmeralda Basin, Stafford Creek, Iron Bear/Miller Peak
Kachess Ridge
Palisades/Ranger Creek
Goat Mountain
Strawberry Ridge
Juniper Ridge / Tongue Mountain
Designated Roadless Areas in Washington. Roadless areas are home to some of our most iconic backcountry mountain biking trails. A detailed interactive map can be found here.
