Roadless areas in Alaska contain important old-growth forests.

Over 368,000 miles of roads wind through U.S. national forests, eight times more than the entire interstate highway system. Many are heavily eroded and prone to landslides, and driving vehicles on them can spread invasive species. They need billions of dollars in repairs.

Yet the Trump administration wants to build more roads in America’s national forests to expand timber production, specifically in untouched areas currently protected by the 2001 federal Roadless Rule.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.