Changes to travel management rules could allow ATVs to ride on more roads and trails in the national forest.
The U.S. Forest Service is reviewing its policies for travel management, which include whether vehicles should be allowed on roads and in other areas in national forests — and, if so, what types of vehicles would be permissible.
The Forest Service is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will evaluate revisions to simplify requirements for local decision-making regarding access for motorized vehicles, including e-bikes and mobility devices. The Forest Service is accepting public comment through Wednesday, Sept. 23.
The proposed rule would have what the Forest Service calls an “access-oriented framework,” establishing a presumption that existing roads, trails, airfields, trailheads and other routes are open to appropriate public use unless closure or restriction is required by certain conditions. Those conditions include public safety, conflicts among users, and maintenance needs. The policy would require an annual review of all routes.
The Forest Service’s rule revision would not change existing access to roads or trails, but would guide future decisions and designations, which would be made by local officials after an analysis of conditions. Current maps would remain in effect until revised.
The change would require the agency to consider new roads, trails, and airfields to increase access where appropriate. There could be limited off-route motor vehicle use for big-game retrieval, firewood collection or dispersed camping. The analysis will determine whether electric bicycles would be allowed on trails.
The proposal would conform to an executive order issued by Pres. Donald Trump in May entitled “Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands.”
Flexibility to adapt to changing needs
At present, any changes to road status must be based on a comprehensive review of a forest’s land-management plan. The Forest Service says that the requirement to link travel and land management decisions can reduce the flexibility necessary to respond to changing needs.
The current travel-management process is cumbersome and applies the same procedures to all revisions in road status, regardless of scale (including to correct clerical errors), the Forest Service says. The proposed changes would allow local authorities to update rules based on local conditions and needs and would take into account resource conditions, wildfire, public safety, maintenance status, and available funding.
The proposal includes a requirement for public maps showing access rules for all trails, roads, airfields and trailheads. Motor-vehicle use designations would still have to comply with other laws, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act and Wilderness Act.
Okanogan-Wenatchee access
Over the past 15 years, the requirement to update travel-management plans and motor-vehicle use maps has been a factor in determining whether wheeled all-terrain vehicles (WATVs) can use roads in the Methow Valley Ranger District.
After the state of Washington passed a law in 2013 allowing WATVs to use some public roads, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest opened all roads in the forest to the vehicles. But that decision was challenged by conservation groups, who successfully argued that the Okanogan-Wenatchee had to first update its travel-management plan for the forest.
A working group with representatives from the ranger district, Okanogan County government, ATV riders’ groups and conservation organizations recently proposed several routes for evaluation, although there is no requirement or timeline for action.
Comment schedule
The Forest Service seeks comments about potential alternatives and impacts. Comments can also identify relevant information or studies. The proposed travel-management rule and draft EIS are expected in spring 2027, with the final EIS and rule in early 2028.
For more information and to comment, go to www.regulations.gov and search for docket number FS-2026-0100. Comments are due Sept. 23.
