H.R. 7979 — Public Lands Access Restoration Act

This section directs the Secretary concerned, within 180 days of enactment, to presume covered roads and trails open to motorized access unless restricted under specified standards and to issue or revise implementing regulations. Restrictions may be imposed only based on clear and convincing evidence of need for resource protection or public safety, and must (1) be clearly indicated with signage at entry and exit points; (2) be depicted on updated official maps available in digital and printed form; (3) be subject to public notice in the Federal Register and at least one local newspaper with a 30-day comment period; (4) be reviewed at least every five years to confirm ongoing justification; and (5) apply to the smallest practicable area and for the least amount of time.

This section requires the Secretaries of the Interior (through the Bureau of Land Management) and Agriculture (through the Forest Service) to accept and consider public proposals for additions to designated motorized road and trail networks on their lands at any time, including during development or revision of travel management plans under the National Forest Management Act of 1976, Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, and National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Eligible proposals include (1) designation of new motorized roads or trails, (2) repurposing or conversion of roads or trails, or (3) inclusion of roads or trails not previously identified in agency inventories. The Secretaries must prioritize proposals that (1) improve connectivity within existing networks, (2) protect natural resources, (3) enhance access for fuels reduction, wildfire response, or other land management activities, or (4) provide additional motorized recreation opportunities. This section further directs expedited consideration, not later than 90 days after submission, for proposals to convert administrative or currently closed roads to designated motorized trails.

This section defines terms for purposes of the Act, including (1) "covered road or trail," generally meaning a road or trail designated for motorized use that is a National Forest System road or trail or a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) road or trail (excluding those within congressionally designated wilderness areas or national parks); (2) "motorized access," meaning access or use by a motor or self-propelled vehicle capable of off-highway travel during winter or summer (e.g., all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, motorcycles, and snowmobiles); (3) "National Forest System road" or "trail," meaning a road or trail within a National Forest System unit other than one authorized by a state, county, or local public road authority right-of-way; (4) "Bureau of Land Management road" or "trail," meaning a road or trail on public lands other than one authorized by a state, county, or local public road authority right-of-way; (5) "public lands," having the meaning given in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702); and (6) "Secretary concerned," meaning the Secretary of Agriculture for National Forest System roads or trails and the Secretary of the Interior for BLM roads or trails.