The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule is a landmark conservation policy that helps protect habitat for vulnerable wildlife. The Rule protects some of the most intact portions of our national forests, called ‘inventoried roadless areas,’ from harmful roadbuilding, industrial logging, and other development. The Rule covers 45 million acres in 36 states, from eastern deciduous forests to coastal rainforests in Alaska.These protected parts of our national forests are vital habitats for American wildlife. Scroll through our new story map to see some of the ways Roadless Areas support animals we love.
As the Landscape GIS Analyst in the Center for Conservation Innovation at Defenders, Rob provides mapping and geospatial analysis services throughout Defenders to support conservation of wildlife and landscapes across North America.