Congressman Mike Kennedy of Utah’s Third District and Congressman Jeff Crank of Colorado’s Fifth District introduced the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (PLARA) on March 25. The bill aims to restore broad recreational access to public lands, reversing a policy change from 2005 that restricted motorized use on many roads and trails.
The issue affects people who use public lands for activities such as hiking, biking, hunting, angling, and other forms of recreation. Supporters say the proposed legislation would make it easier for Americans to enjoy these areas by returning to an “open unless posted closed” policy.
“Utahns have watched 1,500 miles of trails be restricted under a federal rule that was designed without us in mind,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “Public lands should be open to the public; it is that simple. PLARA restores this common-sense standard, giving Utahns recreational access to the landscapes that have defined us for generations.”
Congressman Crank said: “America’s public lands support a wide range of recreation uses. The Public Lands Access Restoration Act will limit restrictions of motorized access to concerns over resource protection and public safety. This bill expands opportunities for Coloradans and all Americans to access and enjoy our public lands. Thank you to Rep. Kennedy for co-leading this bill, and to the Trails Preservation Alliance, headquartered in Colorado’s Fifth Congressional District, for bringing this issue to our attention.” Chad Hixon, Executive Director of Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA), added: “Colorado’s population is larger than ever and still growing while opportunities for motorized recreation on roads and trails continue to shrink… We are grateful to Rep. Crank and Rep. Kennedy for recognizing this problem and introducing a bill…”
Becky Leinweber from Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance said: “Public lands work best when they serve a wide range of users… By improving the process for maintaining and designating routes, this bill supports responsible motorized access while ensuring decisions remain grounded in resource protection and public input—benefiting all who recreate on our public lands.” Karen Bailey-Chapman with Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) stated: “This bill offers an important policy shift… We strongly support the return to an ‘open unless posted closed’ policy on public lands.”
According to information released with the announcement, PLARA would codify an “open unless posted closed” approach within U.S Forest Service- or Bureau of Land Management-managed roads or trails; restrict closures only when needed due to resource protection or safety; require any restrictions include signage as well as digital/printed maps; ensure closures are reviewed every five years; limit their duration/area; mandate a 30-day comment period before changes take effect.
Supporters argue these changes could increase transparency in land management decisions while balancing recreational needs with environmental protections.