ClimateAugust 24, 2026

roadless

ROHD-luhs

Definition

Describes forest or wild areas that are free from established roads, infrastructure, and industrial development.

Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'rad' (a road or riding) combined with the suffix '-less,' signifying the absence of something.

In the news

The term refers to the 2001 conservation rule protecting undeveloped national forests from roads; its proposed repeal concerns environmentalists who fear development will harm these pristine areas.

USDA advances Roadless Rule repeal; advocates, lawmakers say it puts thousands of Shenandoah Valley acres at risk

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Rappahannock News

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