Trump Administration Proposes Reversing Forest Trail Rules to Favor Motorized Vehicles
The Forest Service announced a draft rule change that would make national-forest trails open to ATVs and dirt bikes unless they are specifically closed, sparking opposition from conservation and non-motorized recreation groups.
In late August, the U.S. Forest Service revealed a proposal to overturn its existing travel-management rule, which requires trails to be explicitly designated for motorized use. Under the new draft, any trail not marked closed could be used by ATVs, side-by-sides and dirt bikes, with the Department of Agriculture arguing the move will increase public access and cut red tape. Conservation advocates such as Hillary Eisen of Wild Montana and Chris Edgington of Montana Trout Unlimited contend the reversal threatens forest ecosystems, river health and fish populations, pointing to successful river-bank restoration on the Middle Fork of the Judith River that relied on one outlet rule.
The proposal arrives amid broader USDA actions, including a pending rollback of the roadless rule that protects millions of acres from roads and logging. Public comments are being accepted through September 23, and the changes could reshape recreation, wildlife protection and land-use policy across the agency’s 193 million acres.
Why it matters
Changing trail rules could open vast forest lands to motorized vehicles, affecting ecosystems, water quality and recreation for many users.
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