This National Public Lands Day, Speak Up for the Future of Our Forests
September 27 is National Public Lands Day—a time to celebrate the wild places that connect and inspire us. It’s also a crucial moment to raise our voices in defense of those very lands.
Across the country, our public lands are facing unprecedented challenges. Two major proposals from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) could reshape the future of our National Forests—and the Tahoe Rim Trail.
Roadless Areas at Risk
The USDA has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which currently protects 44.7 million acres of National Forest lands from road construction and timber harvesting.
If this rule is rescinded, the impacts could be felt right here at home. More than 20 miles of the Tahoe Rim Trail run directly through Roadless Areas, and another 30 miles border these protected zones and could be affected indirectly.
These Roadless Areas safeguard critical wildlife habitat, provide world-class recreation opportunities, and preserve the backcountry character that makes the Tahoe Rim Trail so special. Removing these protections would open the door to development in some of the last remaining intact wildlands in the country.
The public comment period is open until September 19, 2025. This is our chance to speak up for the wild places we love and rely on.
[Submit a comment opposing the repeal of the Roadless Rule]
Forest Service Staffing and Reorganization
At the same time, the USDA is pursuing a sweeping reorganization of the Forest Service—a move that comes on the heels of more than 16,000 USDA employee departures since February.
These staffing losses have hit the Forest Service especially hard, impacting the very people who plan recreation opportunities, restore trails, mitigate wildfire risk, and steward the lands we depend on. The proposed reorganization risks further undermining the agency’s ability to carry out mission-critical work—including implementing the bipartisan EXPLORE Act.
The USDA is seeking public input on this reorganization plan through September 30, 2025. This is a critical opportunity for the outdoor community to advocate for a fully staffed, well-supported Forest Service capable of caring for our forests, trails, and wildlife habitat.
[Submit a comment on the Forest Service reorganization plan]
Celebrate by Taking Action
National Public Lands Day is about more than just celebrating the landscapes we love—it’s about ensuring they remain protected for generations to come.
This September, let’s honor our public lands by speaking up for their future. Together, we can ensure the Tahoe Rim Trail and all our National Forest lands remain wild, resilient, and accessible for all.
