Comment by September 23rd to Maintain The Travel Management Rule and Balance of Motorized and Non-Motorized Uses in Our National Forests
Years ago the United States Forest Service led a robust stakeholder engagement process to set a framework for balancing motorized vehicle access in National Forests with wildlife conservation and non-motorized recreation uses. This rule, the 2005 Travel Management Rule, is based on the basic framework that National Forest trails and other areas are closed to motor vehicle use unless specifically designated as open. This rule protects the environment while providing certainty for motorized users, hunters, anglers, mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, cross country skiers, and other visitors about where motorized use is legal, sustainable and dependable. This clarity gives all visitors the ability to find the experience they desire.
The administration proposes to flip the existing regulatory framework upside down. Instead of designating certain trails and areas as open to motorized travel, under a new system the Forest Service would start from a presumption that trails and other areas on Forest Service land are open to motorized use, unless they are explicitly closed. This is an unnecessary change to how national forests have been managed for decades.
Comments