NPS maps more off-road mud romps in Big Cypress
Published Date: 10/2/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The National Park Service wants to update rules about where you can drive off-road vehicles in Big Cypress National Preserve. They’re replacing an old map with a new one that shows the preserve’s bigger, current boundaries, which means more areas might be open for off-road fun—if the Superintendent says so. People have until December 1, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no new fees or costs are involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Big Cypress ORV Area Expanded by 147,000 Acres
You could get more places to drive off-road in Big Cypress National Preserve because the rule replaces a 1975 map with a new map (numbered 26-001, dated May 1, 2026) that includes the 1988 Addition of approximately 147,000 acres. The Addition is north of Tamiami Trail, and bringing it into the special regulations means those lands could be opened for motorized vehicle use if the Superintendent designates routes there.
ORV Use Limited to Designated Routes (No Dispersed Use)
You would be allowed to use off-road vehicles in the Addition only on routes the Superintendent designates, consistent with the Record of Decision (ROD) signed December 12, 2024, which does not allow dispersed ORV use. The Superintendent will implement those designated motor vehicle and airboat routes through the Superintendent's Compendium rather than allowing free cross-country or dispersed ORV travel.
No Major New Costs or Fees Expected
The agency says this proposed rule would not be a 'major rule' and would not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; it also states it would not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, industries, or governments. The public comment deadline for this proposal is 11:59 p.m. EDT on December 1, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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