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Public Lands Access Restoration Act

USA119th CongressHR-7979| House 
| Updated: 3/26/2026
Jeff Crank

Jeff Crank

Republican Representative

Colorado

Cosponsors (1)
Mike Kennedy (Republican)

Federal Lands Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline
Mar 18, 2026
Introduced in House
Mar 18, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Mar 19, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Mar 26, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • March 18, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • March 18, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • March 19, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.


  • March 26, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Forests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingGovernment information and archivesLand use and conservationMotor vehiclesParks, recreation areas, trailsRoads and highways

Public Lands Access Restoration Act

USA119th CongressHR-7979| House 
| Updated: 3/26/2026
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.
View Full Text

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Timeline
Mar 18, 2026
Introduced in House
Mar 18, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Mar 19, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Mar 26, 2026
Subcommittee Hearings Held
  • March 18, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • March 18, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • March 19, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.


  • March 26, 2026
    Subcommittee Hearings Held
Jeff Crank

Jeff Crank

Republican Representative

Colorado

Cosponsors (1)
Mike Kennedy (Republican)

Federal Lands Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Forests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingGovernment information and archivesLand use and conservationMotor vehiclesParks, recreation areas, trailsRoads and highways