Economics

Since its inception, the program has grown in both size and scope, with funding at $50 million for fiscal year (FY) 2009 and $90 million in FY10. However, it declined sharply in FY11, to only $45 million, and held steady at that reduced level in FY12. 

This fact sheet explains how the program has created or maintained jobs with specific state numbers for California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. It also highlights operators who benefit from road reclamation and maintenance projects, putting faces with the numbers. 

The Forest Service Chief’s office issued new guidance on November 10, 2010 directing all national forests to undertake an analysis to identify a minimum road system by the end of fiscal year 2015.  This fact sheet explains this process that offers the opportunity to "rightsize" the Forest Service road system, and the urgent need to do so.

The Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program (Legacy Roads and Trails) marked its official beginning in 2008 with a Congressional appropriation of $39.4 million dollars. This fact sheet provides a brief overview of program accomplishments, along with funding levels from FY 2008 -10.

When forest roads fail tons of dirt and debris can be washed into streams, exacerbating road-caused stream sedimentation that makes streams wider, shallower, and hotter. This fact sheet illustrates these impacts, which are exacerbated by chronic fundhing shortfalls.