HR 7979

The Public Lands Access Restoration Act aims to restore the presumption of access to motorized routes on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. Specifically, it requires agencies to presume that existing roads and trails open to motorized use remain open unless restricted, and establishes a process for restricting access only when there’s clear evidence of resource protection or public safety needs. The bill also allows the public to propose new motorized routes and prioritizes proposals that benefit existing networks, protect natural resources, and support land management activities.