What does Preamble of Public Lands Access Restoration Act do?

This bill aims to restore the presumption of access on lands managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Public Lands Access Restoration Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Public Lands Access Restoration Act.

What does RESTORATION OF HISTORIC ACCESS POLICY. of Public Lands Access Restoration Act do?

This section establishes a policy regarding motorized access to covered roads and trails. Covered roads or trails are presumed open to motorized access unless restricted by the Secretary. The Secretary must issue or revise regulations to implement this presumption. Restrictions on motorized access are permitted only if based on clear and convincing evidence of resource protection or public safety. Any restriction must be clearly indicated with signage, depicted on updated maps, and subject to public notice and a 30-day comment period. Restrictions must be reviewed by the Secretary at least once every 5 years to ensure continued justification. Restrictions should be applied to the smallest area and for the least amount of time practicable.

What does PUBLIC NOMINATION OF TRAILS. of Public Lands Access Restoration Act do?

This section establishes a process for public nominations of motorized routes. The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture are required to accept and consider proposals from the public for additions to designated motorized road and trail networks. Eligible proposals may include the designation of new routes, repurposing existing ones, or inclusion of routes not previously inventoried. Proposals that improve connectivity, protect natural resources, enhance access for land management, or provide motorized recreation opportunities will receive priority. The Secretaries shall expedite review of proposals to convert closed roads to designated motorized trails, aiming for completion within 90 days.

What does RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. of Public Lands Access Restoration Act do?

This section establishes a rule of construction for the Act. The Act states that nothing within it shall be construed to restrict public access to a covered road or trail, except as described in subsection (b). The Act also states that nothing within it shall be construed to restrict other uses of a covered road or trail.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Public Lands Access Restoration Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Covered road or trail” includes National Forest System roads and trails, and Bureau of Land Management roads and trails, except those within congressionally designated wilderness areas or national parks. “Motorized access” refers to access or use by a motor vehicle capable of off-highway travel, including various types of vehicles like ATVs and snowmobiles. Definitions are provided for “National Forest System road,” “National Forest System trail,” “Bureau of Land Management road,” and “Bureau of Land Management trail,” specifying they exclude roads and trails with legally documented rights-of-way held by state or local authorities. “Public lands” is defined by reference to section 103 of the Federal Land Policy Management Act of 1976. The “Secretary concerned” is the Secretary of Agriculture for National Forest System roads and trails, and the Secretary of the Interior for Bureau of Land Management roads and trails.

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Public Lands Access Restoration Act

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/18/2026

Author: Jeff Crank (R-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a presumption that roads and trails on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands are open to motorized access unless restricted by the Secretary, based on clear and convincing evidence of resource protection or public safety.
The bill creates a process for the public to nominate motorized routes for inclusion in designated road and trail networks, prioritizing proposals that improve connectivity or enhance recreation opportunities.
The Act clarifies that nothing within it restricts public access to covered roads or trails, except for specifically authorized restrictions and does not limit other uses of these routes.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

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