Recently, working closely with the Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA), U.S. Representatives Jeff Crank (CO-5) and Mike Kennedy (UT-3) introduced the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (PLARA).
The bill, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, seeks to reverse current policy under the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, where roads and trails designated for motorized use are effectively closed unless specifically identified as open. If passed, the legislation would restore the long-standing approach used prior to 2005 - where roads and trails designated for motorized use were considered open unless clearly marked otherwise.
While our population continues to grow, opportunities for motorized recreation on roads and trails continue to shrink.
“Across our country, municipalities, counties, states, and other federal agencies all manage roads and trails under a simple principle—they’re presumed open unless clearly marked closed,” said Chad Hixon, Executive Director of TPA. “There’s no reason public lands should be treated any differently. By putting the responsibility back on managing agencies instead of the user, this bill makes it easier for people to recreate responsibly while improving clarity, access, and accountability.”
In Colorado alone, only 8% of more than 28,000 miles of trails are open to motorcyclists. In 2023 and 2024, Utah lost over 1,500 miles of trails due to closures by federal land managers - despite growing demand for both motorized and non-motorized recreation.
Beyond restoring the presumption of access, the legislation also introduces a new provision allowing the public to nominate roads and trails for motorized use at any time, including during travel management planning processes. These nominations can include new routes, reconnections, or previously unrecognized trails, with priority given to improving connectivity, resource protection, and access for land management activities such as wildfire response.
The bill also ensures that any future restrictions on access must be supported by clear and convincing evidence, publicly noticed, clearly signed on the ground, reflected on official maps, and reviewed at least every five years. It further ensures that closures are applied only where necessary, for the smallest area and shortest duration practicable.
"America’s public lands support a wide range of recreational uses," said Rep. Crank. "The Public Lands Access Restoration Act will limit restrictions of motorized access to concerns over resource protection and public safety. This bill expands opportunities for Coloradans and all Americans to access and enjoy our public lands. Thank you to Rep. Kennedy for co-leading this bill, and to the Trails Preservation Alliance, headquartered in Colorado's Fifth Congressional District, for bringing this issue to our attention."
"Utahns have watched 1,500 miles of trails be restricted under a federal rule that was designed without us in mind," said Rep. Kennedy. "Public lands should be open to the public; it is that simple. PLARA restores this common-sense standard, giving Utahns recreational access to the landscapes that have defined us for generations."
“Public lands work best when they serve a wide range of users," said Becky Leinweber, Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance. "By improving the process for maintaining and designating routes, this bill supports responsible motorized access while ensuring decisions remain grounded in resource protection and public input—benefiting all who recreate on our public lands.”
The Trails Preservation Alliance leads efforts to protect and expand responsible motorized single-track trail riding. We advocate for access, champion responsible use, and empower clubs and partners to keep trails open and sustainable.
Restoring access to America’s public lands supports local economies, reduces over-concentration of use on limited trail systems, helps prevent resource damage, and promotes responsible recreation.
Supporting Documents:
PLARA Fact Sheet
Making Trails Accessible
The Bill