Forest Service Travel Management Rule: Proposed Changes to 50 Years of Policy

Webinar Outline

SPECIAL TRAIL TOWN HALL!

The USDA Forest Service has issued a Notice of Intent to update the longstanding Travel Management Rule (adopted in 2005) whose core principle of trails being “closed unless designated open” to a specific use has been in place for over 50 years. 

Join American Hiking Society, American Trails, and Back Country Horsemen of America, for a trails town hall on how individuals and organizations can submit comments calling on the Forest Service to maintain parts of the framework of the Travel Management Rule that preserve the “closed unless designated open” criteria. 

During the town hall you’ll hear from experts on the Travel Management Rule on what the Forest Service is proposing (including changes to e-bike policy, minimization criteria, public comments, and more frequent reviews of trails uses), what our organizations are recommending, and how you can submit comments on behalf of yourself and your organization by the September 23, 2026 deadline. 

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the proposed updates to the USDA Forest Service Travel Management Rule.
   Participants will identify key elements under consideration, including changes related to e-bike policy, minimization criteria, public input, and the frequency of trail-use reviews.
• Evaluate how proposed changes could affect trail management and access.
   Participants will examine the role of the “closed unless designated open” framework and how revisions to the rule may influence sustainable trail management, recreation uses, and public lands.
• Identify how to effectively participate in the public comment process.
   Participants will learn how individuals and organizations can develop and submit relevant, substantive comments to the Forest Service by the September 23, 2026 deadline.

Location

This is a virtual training. See the event website for more details.

Trail Competencies

Relevant Trail Types

General. All trail types are relevant.