Activists with Eugene-based environmental groups flew over the Willamette National Forest on Monday, Sept. 15, surveying thousands of acres that could be opened to road construction if federal protections are lifted.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced in June plans to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule, which barred road construction on 58 million acres of national forest, including 2 million acres in Oregon. Areas such as Hardesty Mountain near Eugene are protected under the rule.

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Ashli Blow brings 12 years of experience in journalism and science writing, focusing on the intersection of issues that impact everyone connected to the land — whether private or public, developed or forested.