S. 2042: Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 aims to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System in the United States. Here are the key points outlined in the bill:

Findings and Purpose

Congress recognizes that:

There is a need for national protection of roadless areas to preserve their unique social and ecological values.
Roadless areas contribute to healthy watersheds, which provide various benefits such as:

Outdoor recreational opportunities
Clean water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use
Drinking water for millions of Americans
Habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations

Keeping these areas undisturbed can save communities money on water filtration and help maintain a steady supply of clean water.
Protection of these areas can help preserve habitats for endangered species and support biodiversity by preventing habitat fragmentation and the spread of invasive species.
These areas offer significant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
They also have sites of cultural significance for various Native American and Alaska Native groups, who use these areas for spiritual practices.

Multiple Use Management

The bill emphasizes that the protection of roadless areas does not impose new restrictions on their use or access to adjacent lands, aligning with the Forest Service's mission to manage lands for multiple purposes. It aims to ensure the continued protection of social and ecological values while allowing various uses of these areas.

Wildfire and Forest Management

The legislation also notes that:

Wildfires are more likely in roaded areas than in roadless areas.
The Forest Service has significant maintenance needs for existing roads, with costs totaling nearly $6 billion.
Protecting roadless areas can facilitate the development of hydropower projects.

Definitions

Key terms in the bill include:

Inventoried roadless area: Areas where road construction, reconstruction, or logging is regulated under the Roadless Rule.
Roadless Rule: Federal regulations that limit road construction and logging in specific areas, initially established in 2001.
Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.

Protection of Inventoried Roadless Areas

The Secretary of Agriculture is prohibited from allowing road construction, road reconstruction, or logging in any inventoried roadless area where these activities are already restricted by the Roadless Rule.