Colorado’s scenic trails and roads have long been a battleground between off-road enthusiasts and conservationists. Traditionally, these areas have been off-limits to vehicles unless explicitly permitted. However, a proposed policy shift by the Trump administration’s Forest Service could alter this balance, potentially opening vast areas to motorized vehicles unless specific restrictions are implemented.
The proposed change has sparked a flurry of activity among vehicle clubs eager to explore previously restricted areas. At the same time, environmental advocates are alarmed, seeking to counter the proposal through legislative and legal channels.
The timing is notable, as it follows the recent rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which had protected millions of acres from road construction and logging. “The administration is now attempting to open up our national forests to more off-road vehicle use that will degrade the landscape and disturb wildlife and other land users,” stated Thomas Delehanty, senior attorney with Earthjustice’s Rocky Mountain office. He emphasized the importance of preserving quiet spaces for undisturbed recreation and wildlife protection.
In contrast, Chad Hixon, director of the Trails Preservation Alliance, argues that conservation and recreation can coexist. Highlighting the limited access for motorized vehicles—only 2,800 miles of Colorado’s 28,000 miles of singletrack trails are open to them—he advocates for expanding access responsibly.
Historical Context and Potential Impacts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, oversees access to millions of acres of forest and grasslands. The proposed policy, published in the Federal Register, could impact nearly 200 million acres. This shift echoes the 2005 policy under the George W. Bush administration, which prioritized protection for certain areas, a move supported by environmentalists to safeguard wildlife and reduce conflicts with nonmotorized recreators.
Proponents of the new policy argue that expanding legal access could reduce illegal driving and alleviate pressure on currently limited-use areas. “Access can deter people from doing the wrong thing,” Hixon noted.
Opponents, however, cite concerns over increased wildfire risks, exacerbated by climate change and prolonged droughts. Kate Groetzinger, communications director for the Center for Western Priorities, warned that “putting hot engines deeper into dry forests during longer and hotter fire seasons will increase wildfire risk, and Western communities will pay for it.”
Groetzinger also expressed concern that the current public input process, which allows stakeholders to influence travel management plans, could be undermined. She fears the decision-making power might shift to political appointees, potentially opening every trail and meadow to motorized use.
Hixon anticipates a lengthy process before any changes are finalized, likely not before 2028. He believes that advanced mapping tools and comprehensive wildlife studies will guide a balanced approach. “The results will not be a chaotic ‘go anywhere’ policy,” he assured. “It’s not just a free-for-all.”
Original Story at coloradosun.com