Forest Service extends public comment period for Roadless Rule rescission

The U.S. Forest Service has extended its public comment period on its proposal to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which it announced on Aug. 18.

Originally a 30-day comment period, the Forest Service is now offering a total of 45 days to offer input on the proposed repeal and draft environmental statement. This makes the new deadline Oct. 6.

Nathan Newcomer, the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council's Tongass Campaigner, said that while it's good the public was given more time, traditionally the Forest Service has provided 90 days for input on draft environmental impact statements...