This Land, Your Land

The federal government has halted construction of new roads in backcountry areas of National Forests for one year, reinstituting most of a Clinton-era rule that was lifted by the Bush administration, The Associated Press reports.

The directive gives Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack sole decision-making authority over all proposed forest management or road construction projects in designated roadless areas in all states except Idaho. He said Thursday's directive will provide clarity that should help protect national forests until the Obama administration develops a long-term roadless policy.