Public Lands Access Restoration Act

This bill seeks to establish a presumption of motorized access on roads and trails managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Within 180 days of enactment, these routes will be considered open to motorized vehicles unless specifically restricted by the relevant Secretary. This policy change aims to increase public access for motorized recreation and other land management activities. Any restrictions on motorized access must be based on clear and convincing evidence for resource protection or public safety. Such restrictions must be clearly marked with signage, depicted on updated official maps, and undergo a public notice and comment period. Furthermore, restrictions must be reviewed every five years and applied to the smallest area and for the least amount of time practicable. The bill also requires the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to accept and consider public proposals for additions to designated motorized road and trail networks at any time. These proposals can include new routes or the repurposing of existing ones. Priority will be given to nominations that improve connectivity, protect natural resources, enhance access for fuels reduction or wildfire response, or provide additional motorized recreation opportunities, with expedited review for converting administrative roads to motorized trails.