April 22, 2026
The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
Re: Repeal of Nixon and Carter Executive Orders 11644 and 11989
Dear President Trump,
Thank you for your leadership on public lands issues. We are writing because two Executive Orders issued by the Carter and the Nixon Administration continue to hinder public access to public lands to this day. Both Executive Orders directly contradict the statutory direction to manage public lands for multiples uses including recreation, energy development and forestry, among others.
On February 08, 1972, President Nixon issued Executive Order 11644 (Use of Off-Road Vehicles on the Public Lands). This directed the agencies to promulgate rules governing access to public lands based only on environmental values in direct conflict with the authorizing statutes that govern access to, and management of, our public lands for multiple uses.
On May 24, 1977, President Carter issued Executive Order 11989 (Off-Road Vehicles on Public Lands ). This directed closure of roads and trails by fiat—again in direct conflict with statutes and multiple uses.
For example, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) directs public lands to be managed for multiple uses including energy development, recreation, forestry, water and power generation, among others. Likewise, the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act (MUSYA) established a wide range of uses for public lands. The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) as well as the Organic Act of 1897 also mandate multiple uses for national forest lands.
As a result, Executive Orders 11644 and 11989 should be rescinded in their entirety as they are contrary to existing law. Further, in this time of unprecedented drought in the West, limiting access to public lands will hinder the ability to fight and prevent wildfires--thereby putting lives and communities at risk.
Thank you for your attention to this important and timely matter.
Sincerely,
Chad Hixon
Executive Director
Trails Preservation Alliance