The Roadless Rule protects more than wild places

It’s the time of year when friends and family start disappearing into the woods for days at a time. Meetings are canceled. School absences spike. Camo and hunter orange dominate local fashion. In extreme cases, anniversaries are missed. The sacred autumn ritual of heading for the high country, whether it’s for big game, wild trout, or a mosquito-free backpacking adventure, is something many of us live for. Something you just don’t mess with.