Roadless Area Conservation Rule Brings $24B in Benefits
On this page: Key findings | Download the factsheet | In the news | Watch a webinar | Explore state-by-state data | Get in touch
The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule conserves a total of 58.5 million acres of largely undeveloped, road-free national forest lands—known as inventoried roadless areas—from road construction and timber harvesting.
In an initial economic analysis of ecosystem services, Earth Economics found that 30 million acres of roadless land in the lower-48 generate $24 billion in benefits every year.
Organizations can use this high‑level analysis to translate the benefits of roadless areas into clear economic terms to raise awareness and inform decision makers about the importance of continuing to protect these lands.
Ecosystem Services of Greatest Value
Looking for a state-specific analysis or do you want a more detailed regional analysis? Explore our dashboard below, or reach out to see whether a custom evaluation is right for your needs. Email Glen Delaney (Director of Partnerships) at gdelaney@eartheconomics.org.
Download the factsheet
We have produced a printable and digitally sharable factsheet you can use to highlight the economic value of roadless areas with others.
Please fill out the form below to access the factsheet.
Your information will be kept confidential, and we will never share or sell it to third parties.
In the news
Legislative Hearing | House Committee on Natural Resources | May 21, 2026
Our analysis was recently included up in a meeting of the House Committee on Natural Resources and formally entered into the Congressional Record. Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) cited our study, emphasizing that the $24 billion in benefits is “money that could be at risk or even lost if the forest service were to repeal the Roadless Rule.” He encouraged a thorough benefit-cost analysis that considers the full value of ecosystem services provided by roadless areas.
Dive into the analysis
Earth Economics staff explain how we approached the analysis, the factors we considered, and ways in which you can leverage these data to raise awareness of the ecosystem services produced by roadless areas. Thanks to The Wilderness Society for hosting this webinar.
Explore state-by-state data
Explore primary landcover types and compare data across states and Congressional Districts with this interactive dashboard.
Please Note: These congressional district- and state-level data are high-level estimates, best-suited for general advocacy, not as precise figures for formal policy testimony or to justify expanded funding. They are intended to demonstrate the scale of ecosystem service benefits of roadless areas, as well as the type of analysis that is possible to reduce risk and extend these natural benefits.
For organizations seeking more detailed or place‑specific results, Earth Economics can apply this approach using local data to develop more precise analyses.
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Apply this analysis at a state-level
This analysis is designed to help conservation organizations and public agencies understand the impact of changes to Roadless Rule policies in clear economic terms. By characterizing the benefits provided by these ecosystems in dollar terms, we make it easier to communicate the stakes to decision makers.
This assessment is high-level, offering a consistent, nationwide view of ecosystem service benefits. Organizations seeking more detailed insight—such as state‑specific estimates or place‑based analyses—can work with Earth Economics to develop tailored studies incorporating local data, which increases the precision and relevance of results.
Reach out to see how our research can support your efforts. Email Glen Delaney (Director of Partnerships) at: gdelaney@eartheconomics.org.