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TRUMP BRINGS BACK LOGGING IN AMERICA

 

How Forest Policy Changes Could Impact 

Your Access to Public Lands

By Del Albright

The Trump Administration made sweeping changes to how our national forests are logged and managed. While these changes aim to speed up forest projects and reduce wildfire risks, they also carry consequences for those of us who love the outdoors and motorized recreation.

Let’s break down what these changes mean and what we, as outdoor enthusiasts, need to know.

Less Red Tape, Fewer Safeguards The U.S. Forest Service revised how it applies the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which traditionally required thorough environmental reviews and public input. Now, more projects can move forward under “categorical exclusions,” meaning they don’t need full environmental assessments or public comment periods.

These exclusions apply to things like:

  • Road construction and maintenance

  • Logging and fuel reduction

  • Special use permits

What This Means for Motorized Recreation

Potential Upsides:

  • Faster trail and road repairs due to simplified approvals

  • New routes could open as part of fire prevention or access projects

  • Local forest managers may have more say, offering a chance for better community relationships

  • Better Fuel reduction and wildfire prevention projects

  • Fewer Mega-Fire infernos and loss of lives and property

Potential Downsides:

  • Projects might happen without your input or even your knowledge

  • Recreational trails could be temporarily or permanently closed during forest management activities

  • Long-term environmental degradation could threaten access and sustainability

What You Can Do

With less federal oversight, it’s more important than ever for motorized and outdoor recreationists to stay informed and involved:

  • Get to know your local federal land managers

  • Track forest project announcements and ask questions

  • Engage in public comment opportunities when available

  • Join or support recreation advocacy groups

We all want healthy, fire-resilient forests, but it shouldn't come at the cost of losing access or damaging the places we love. Let’s stay informed, stay involved, and ensure our voices are heard.

For more tips and insights on sustainable motorized access, be sure to check out my blog at https://www.delalbright.com and follow me on social media.

Learn more about fuel reduction, wildfire prevention, reducing mega-fires, and managing our forests in my book on Amazon.

MORE HELPFUL LINKS:

DEL'S BOOKS (LAND USE, WILDFIRE, DEATH VALLEY, COWBOY POETRY, AND MORE)

WEBSITE (HOME PAGE)

PINTEREST (BOOKS, ARTICLES, AND MORE)

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

DEL'S ARTICLES (LAND USE, LIFE, WILDFIRE, VOLUNTEERISM, AND MORE)

 More land use and volunteerism help here:

#landuse #stewardship #conservation #motorizedrecreation #jeep #jeeplife #volunteerism #volunteers #leadvolunteers #delalbright #BuiltOnBFG #cloakedrepublic #savetrails #leadership


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