Congress Moves to Strip Public Lands Protections in Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota Using the Congressional Review Act ft. Professor John Ruple - Public Lands News (September 1 - 5)

This week's Public Lands News episode is covering public lands protections, Congressional tools, and new funding announcements, including:

• USDA Proposal to Rescind the Roadless Rule: 45 million acres of national forest at risk, including Alaska’s Tongass; public comment period closes September 19

• Congressional Review Act Threats to BLM Resource Management Plans — with John Ruple, University of Utah

• Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3442 & Record LWCF Funding

Link to Federal Register to Comment on the Roadless Rule: ⁠https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-lands⁠

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Sources referenced in this episode:

USDA Secretary Rollins Opens Next Step in Roadless Rule Rescission: ⁠https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/08/27/secretary-rollins-opens-next-step-roadless-rule-rescission⁠

Roadless Rule Impact Map: ⁠https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/7308297f88484984a5ee5bcf2d5ae6b4/⁠

Letter from John Ruple and colleagues encouraging Congress not to repeal BLM plans: https://www.law.utah.edu/news-articles/wallace-stegner-center-faculty-write-letter-to-congress-urging-lawmakers-not-to-repeal-blm-resource-management-plans/

Field and Stream Article on CRA by Travis Hall: https://www.fieldandstream.com/stories/conservation/public-lands-and-waters/congress-to-strip-protections-from-public-lands-using-congressional-review-act

Secretarial Order 3442 Document Library: ⁠https://www.doi.gov/document-library/secretary-order/so-3442-land-and-water-conservation-fund-implementation-us⁠

DOI Press Release on LWCF Investment: ⁠https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/new-secretarys-order-strengthens-outdoor-access-and-recreation⁠

Colorado Sun: ⁠https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/04/colorado-collard-ranch-state-wildlife-area-former-tarryall-creek-ranch-property/⁠