Sponsors (2)
This bill tilts federal public-land access policy toward preserving and expanding motorized access with clearer rules and more local input, trading off faster, broader public use against greater environmental impacts, potential public-safety delays, administrative strain, and legal/jurisdictional complications.
Rural residents and motorized recreationists keep presumptive open access to most covered federal roads and trails unless the Secretary shows a need to close them, preserving travel and recreational options.
Local communities and the public gain greater ability to propose and obtain motorized road/trail designations through ongoing nomination opportunities and a formal notice-and-comment process, increasing local input into access decisions.
The bill requires public notices and a 30-day comment period before restrictions take effect, increasing transparency and opportunities for public involvement in federal access decisions.
Residents, recreationists, and wildlife face increased environmental harm because expanded motorized designations and limits on new access controls could open sensitive public lands to more vehicle use, degrading habitat and species.
Public safety and environmental protection actions could be delayed—urgent closures or restrictions may be harder or slower to impose because of notice/comment/signage requirements and the high 'clear-and-convincing' evidence standard.
Federal land managers and agencies will face added administrative burdens and costs (e.g., 180-day rulemaking/mapping deadlines, faster timelines, continuous nominations), straining staff and budgets and potentially diverting resources from other priorities.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Presumes motorized access open on designated Forest Service and BLM roads/trails unless restricted under a strict evidentiary process and creates pathways and deadlines to add or convert motorized routes.
Introduced March 18, 2026 by Jeff Crank · Last progress March 18, 2026
Presumes most Forest Service and BLM roads and trails designated for motorized use are open to motorized access unless the responsible Secretary imposes a restriction using a high evidentiary standard and specific procedures. It also requires the agencies to accept public nominations to add or convert routes to designated motorized networks, prioritize proposals that improve connectivity or aid fuels reduction and wildfire response, and process conversions of administrative/closed roads quickly.