Forests

America’s forests need to be managed in a balanced and sustainable way—not simply developed or exploited for timber. A key part of this balance is keeping the very wildest forest lands free of logging, road construction, mining and other development. For example, about two percent of the U.S. is forest land protected by an order called the “Roadless Rule.” These forests are considered among the crown jewels of the nation’s public lands and waters. In addition to providing drinking water, wildlife habitat and places for outdoor recreation, roadless areas and other wild forests are a valuable tool for absorbing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and combating climate change.

Wild intact forests help filter drinking water, shelter wildlife, provide places for outdoor recreation and capture greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change.

But these wild forests are under regular attack, and so are the policies that protect them. We work to defend the Roadless Rule and advocate for wild forests nationwide.  

The Wilderness Society’s work to protect intact wild forests is generously supported by DocuSign through its DocuSign for Forests initiative.