Webinar: Chainsaws and the Wilderness Act

This webinar about “Chainsaws and the Wilderness Act” was recorded on June 11, 2026. It was co-hosted by Wilderness Watch and Great Old Broads for Wilderness.

Panelists include:

• Dana Johnson, Policy Director, Wilderness Watch
• Ken Straley, retired USFS Wilderness Manager
• N. Taylor, retired regional USFS Wilderness Manager
• Anne Dal Vera, retired USFS Wilderness Ranger

BACKGROUND: In May, the U.S. Forest Service authorized the use of gas-powered chainsaws by commercial outfitters and guides for seven months a year for up to three years on 542 miles of trail in about half of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The Forest Service made this decision after a year of secret, behind-closed-door negotiations with the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association with no public comment or environmental review, and little regard for federal laws, including the Wilderness Act.

We absolutely do not believe this authorization is legal under the Wilderness Act or the National Environmental Policy Act. Not only does this move go against the mandate of the Wilderness Act prohibiting the use of motorized equipment in designated Wilderness areas, it could also set a dangerous precedent for the management of Wilderness across the country.

During the webinar, you’ll learn more about why this Forest Service action goes beyond chainsaws, and what you can do to halt moves like this that strike at the very core of the Wilderness Act.

Please sign this petition to tell the U.S. Forest Service that you oppose the Forest Service authorizing chainsaw use by commercial outfitters and guides in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, or elsewhere across the National Wilderness Preservation System, and urge the agency to rescind the authorization.

You can also learn more about this issue by checking out our detailed fact sheet and FAQ document.