Kayaking on a Forest Stream Heritage Forests Campaign
Get the Facts! forest facts
Forest Access Protected For Recreation:

58.5 million acres without a single "No Trespassing" sign


  • The U.S. Forest Service's Roadless Area Conservation Policy protects the remaining pristine areas of America's rapidly diminishing wild National Forest lands, without a single "No Trespassing" sign. No existing roads are closed, all trails remain open, and the public enjoys access to recreation on these treasured National Forest lands without the threat of clearcuts or industrial development.

  • The Roadless Area Conservation Policy balances protecting National Forest lands for conservation and recreation with industrial development. More than one-half of America's National currently open to logging, mining and drilling remain open under this policy.

  • All of the 58 million acres of National Forest lands covered by the policy are open to the public for recreational purposes, allowing millions of Americans each year to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, canoeing, rock climbing, and visiting cultural and historic sites. The Roadless Area Conservation Policy places no restrictions on the use of off-road vehicles on any National Forest lands

  • The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail are among the hundreds of thousands of trails which are protected by the Roadless Area Conservation Policy, to be enjoyed by hikers, bikers, and trail enthusiasts without threat of ruin by logging, mining, and other industrial activity.

  • This carefully crafted and broadly supported policy entitles ski areas in National Forest lands covered by the policy, to expand inside existing permit areas.

  • Protecting National Forest lands for recreation opportunities makes good economic sense. Approximately 85 percent of the revenue generated from America's National Forests comes from recreational activities--more than five times the amount generated by logging. Currently, the 58.5 million unspoiled acres affected by the policy provide an estimated $600 million in recreational benefits and nearly 24,000 jobs each year.

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