Public Lands Access Restoration Act
Sponsored By: Representative Crank
In Committee
Summary
A default-open framework for motorized access would make Forest Service and BLM roads and trails presumed open to off-highway vehicles, while setting strict rules for any closures and creating a public route-nomination process. This bill also would set timelines for agency action and require clear signs, maps, and public notices before restricting motorized use.
Show full summary
- Motorized users and recreationists: Would gain a presumption that designated National Forest and BLM roads and trails are open to ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and similar vehicles. Any closure would need clear and convincing evidence and narrow scope.
- Local communities and wildfire response teams: Proposals that improve connectivity or enhance access for fuels reduction and wildfire response get priority. Agencies must expedite conversions of administrative or closed roads to motorized trails, with a 90-day maximum review for those requests.
- Agency operations and conservation safeguards: Agencies would have 180 days to adopt the default-open rule and implementing regs and must use signed notices, update digital and printed maps, publish Federal Register and local notices, and provide a 30-day public comment period. Restrictions must be reviewed at least every 5 years and applied only to the smallest area needed.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Default open motorized access for public lands
This bill would make most Forest Service and BLM roads and trails presumptively open to motorized use. The relevant Secretary (Agriculture for National Forest roads; Interior for BLM roads) would have to issue rules within 180 days. Agencies could only close a covered road or trail if clear and convincing evidence shows the closure is needed for resource protection or public safety. Any closure would need signs at its start and end, updated maps in digital and printed form, a Federal Register notice and at least one local newspaper notice with a 30-day public comment period, and a review at least every five years. The bill would also require agencies to accept public nominations to add or convert roads and trails at any time, and it would require conversion proposals for administrative or closed roads to be considered within 90 days.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Crank
CO • R
Cosponsors
Kennedy (UT)
UT • R
Sponsored 3/18/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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