Proposal could remove protections from Michigan’s roadless national forests

A U.S. Forest Service proposal could allow road construction and logging in about 16,000 acres of currently protected roadless land across Michigan’s Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa national forests. The proposal would rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which restricts roads and timber harvesting in designated areas.

The proposal has drawn criticism from environmental advocates, who say roads could increase wildfire risks and threaten mature forests, wildlife habitat and streams flowing toward the Great Lakes. Public comments will be accepted through Sept. 21.

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