The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life.
One-third of the National Forest System remains
The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life.
One-third of the National Forest System remains without roads. These roadless areas represent 45 of the 83 “eco-regions” found in the continental United States and Alaska and range from the lush temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest to the extraordinarily species-diverse southern Appalachian Mountains.
Roadless forests safeguard clean water from more than 2,000 watersheds—the source of drinking water for more than 60 million Americans—while preserving critical habitat for fish and wildlife and providing numerous opportunities for both recreation and scientific research.
In January 2001, an effort led by the Pew-supported heritage forests campaign secured protection of 58.6 million acres, or nearly one-third of the 192 million acres of national forest land, through the U.S. Forest Service’s Roadless Areas Conservation Rule. The landmark environmental policy has received record support, generating more than 2.5 million public comments in favor of preservation.
After promulgating a series of regulations that delayed