Paving paradise: Dismantling the US Roadless Rule threatens to disrupt wildlife, water and peace in the last quiet places in America

The constant noise of traffic is so ubiquitous, it is barely noticeable to our ears – until we step into a roadless forest and experience true quiet.

By: Mariah Meek, Michigan State University and Travis Belote, Montana State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 15, 2026

Words: 1,247

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

By Mariah Meek, Michigan State University and Travis Belote, Montana State University

Pause for a moment and listen. What do you hear? Chances are, somewhere in the background, is the ever-present hum of a road.

More than 4.2 million miles of public roads crisscross the lower 48 states – enough to reach the Moon and back almost nine times. This vast network of roads spiderwebs its way across the contiguous U.S., leaving only …

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