In March, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack approved 14 projects allowing road construction in national forest roadless areas, most of which had to be granted under the 1872 law governing hardrock mining. Twelve of the projects — nine in Nevada, two in Utah and one in Washington — allow for the exploration of minerals in inventoried roadless areas and therefore are governed by the 1872 law, the department said.

“USDA is committed to protecting roadless areas in our National Forests because of the critical importance of these areas to our natural resources, wildlife, and outdoor recreation,” Vilsack said in a statement. “While the decisions announced today allow for mineral exploration in roadless areas, not only does USDA have limited authority to approve or disapprove these activities, but these actions are consistent with the 2001 Roadless Rule.”

The 2001 Roadless Rule granted blanket protection to about 58 million acres of national forests nationwide but has been mired in legal battles ever since President Clinton put it in place just before leaving office.