NewsWFLA News Channel 8August 18, 2026Hillsborough
Agriculture Secretary proposes removing protections from 44 million acres of national forest
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is moving to lift existing restrictions on 44 million acres of national forest land. The stated goal of the policy change is to allow for forest management treatments intended to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risks.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
This change would alter land-use regulations across 44 million acres of federal forest, potentially increasing the scope of allowed commercial or management activities in areas previously restricted.
Key Facts
- The proposal targets 44 million acres of national forest land.
- The stated objective is to reduce wildfire risk to communities.
- The policy aims to allow for 'treatments' that were previously restricted.
- Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins characterizes current restrictions as 'outdated'.
Who's Mentioned
personBrooke Rollins“Agriculture Secretary who issued a statement supporting the proposal.”other193 million“Total acreage of the National Forest System.”organizationU.S. Forest Service“The agency proposing the rescission of the rule.”organizationSouthern Environmental Law Center“Organization opposing the proposal.”personKristin Gendzier“Senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center who criticized the prop”other44 million“Number of acres of national forest affected by the rule.”organizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Federal department overseeing national forests”organizationTrump administration“The administration proposing the policy change.”