TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The USDA is making steps to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule which protects nearly 59 million acres of national forests and grasslands from development.

More than one million acres of that land is in Arizona -- some of that being in the Coronado National Forest.

The Roadless Rule was originally made to protect land against future societal changes to prevent preserved lands being used for more resources.

The repeal is controversial, especially among conservationists who say it could be devastating for Arizona wildlife.

“You’re basically fragmenting habitat, you’re cutting it up into little pieces, you know, you’re taking the cookie and crumbling it up,” said Jessica Moreno, the Conservation Science Director for the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection.

She sai

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