There are certain core experiences and memories that bind locals and visitors, past and present alike, together around the Tahoe Basin: biking Hole in the Ground Trail by Castle Peak, OHV riding beyond Spaulding and Fordyce lakes, fly fishing the headwaters of the North Fork of the American River, hiking around Fallen Leaf Lake, or ski touring above Emerald Bay. In each of these instances, we have all, regardless of our chosen passions, abilities, politics, or age, shared a commonality of benefitting from roadless areas.
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was established in 2001 by the U.S. Forest Service in order to protect nearly 60 million acres of the least disturbed forests and grasslands from further industrial use; primarily logging and mining. This is not to say these areas were not previously logged or filled with roads and trails, but rather to recognize the impact wrought by over a century of industrial logging across our nation that had led to wildlife habitat loss and clean water degradation, and make intentional space for natural ecosystems to regenerate and provide ecosystem functions. These functions are what make up the intrinsic value of wild places, including the filtration and storage of our drinking water; the slowing of sedimentation, maintaining our lake clarity; the absorption of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere; habitat for mammals; a diverse assemblage of ecotones (transitional areas between two plant communities where these meet and integrate); and countless other everyday occurrences that we often take for granted. Each of the above, aided by the utilitarian values of our abilities to hike, bike, ride, or hunt on these lands, are the variables that add up to allow us to experience awe — an emotion defined by the experience of encountering something vast that transcends our understanding of the world. Awe has been extensively proven to improve mental health, calm nervous systems, and boost empathy by shrinking the ego and fostering interpersonal connection — all of which we could really use in this country right now.
For 25 years, the Roadless Rule has helped the USFS address natural resource management concerns and, in turn, has provided those of us who live near or visit these areas a vastly improved life. Beyond the health benefits, access to nature has, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 report, additionally afforded California with $87.87 billion in net contribution to GDP through tourism spending at hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. That adds up to about 589,000 jobs — 3.2% of total state employment, likely including a few folks each of us know and appreciate personally. For these reasons, recent polling on the Roadless Rule shows 77% of voters support conserving roadless areas for current and future generations.
Despite of all the above, in August 2025, citing the need for updates to the rule on account of logging and wildfire response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published an intent to repeal the Roadless Area Conservation Rule in its entirety. In the next several weeks, an anticipated public comment period will be opened to allow the American people to voice their opinion on this action before it is legally bound and largescale logging operations can begin. (Outdoor-focused nonprofits, such as Protect Our Winters, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and Wilderness Society will promote the link when it opens.) While there is little doubt that anyone reading this will be inundated with opportunities to fill out a generic form from their chosen nonprofit, I’d encourage all to consider the power of personal voice and story, and, at the very least, edit your message to the USDA accordingly, or if inspired, reach out to federal lawmakers making your disapproval known. The future of Lake Tahoe and the opportunities of generations to come depend on it.
~ Dillon Osleger is the author of Trail Work: Restoring the Paths and Stories of America’s Public Lands, which published in May. He has worked in public lands policy and stewardship across the West and in Washington, D.C. His writing has appeared in High Country News, Mountain Gazette, and Outside. He lives in Truckee.
