The administration is proposing to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which currently protects about 11,000 acres of roadless forest in the Shawnee from road construction and timber harvesting.
The Shawnee National Forest contains six designated roadless areas. The largest is the 6,200-acre Burke Branch area in Pope and Massac counties, followed by the 3,800-acre Ripple Hollow area near McClure and Jonesboro.
Environmental groups are strongly opposed to the proposed change, saying the roadless protections help preserve wildlife habitat, clean water and the forest’s ecosystem.
The Forest Service, however, says removing the restrictions would allow local forestry officials and tribal governments more flexibility to manage the land, reduce wildfire risks and improve forest health.
The proposal also follows President Trump’s push to increase timber production on federal lands. Some areas of the Shawnee also contain deposits of rare earth minerals and silica, although the largest concentration of rare earth minerals at Hicks Dome would not be affected by the proposed rule change.
Nearly 170 members of Congress have urged the administration to abandon the proposal. Eight members of Illinois’ congressional delegation signed that letter, including Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin.
U.S. Representative Mike Bost, whose southern Illinois district includes the entire Shawnee National Forest, did not sign the letter and has not commented on the proposal.
The public comment period on the proposed change has been extended to October sixth. The USDA will review public comments before deciding whether to move forward with the rule change or withdraw the proposal.
Comments can be submitted through the federal government’s Regulations-dot-gov website.
