California challenges federal plan that could reshape how vehicles access national forests

Sacramento, California – A rule written more than 20 years ago to control where vehicles can travel in America’s national forests is now at the center of a new dispute between California and the Trump administration. The immediate question is access, but California officials say the consequences could reach far beyond forest roads.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, joined by attorneys general from six other states, submitted a comment letter on Sept. 23 opposing proposed changes to the U.S. Forest Service’s Travel Management Rule. The coalition argues that expanding motorized access could affect wildlife habitat, water quality and wildfire risks in forests across the country.

The existing rule dates to 2005 and created a system for identifying roads, trails and areas where motor vehicles are permitted or prohibited. It also established a process involving public participation and Tribal coordination when those designations are made.

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The Forest Service announced the proposed revision in August following a May executive order from President Donald Trump. The agency says its proposed framework would favor increased public access while simplifying regulations and retaining local decision-making. Existing roads, trails and other access points would generally be presumed open to appropriate public use unless restrictions are justified by law or factors such as resource conditions, safety, competing uses or maintenance capacity.

Bonta and the coalition are urging the Forest Service to withdraw the proposal. They argue that the agency should study alternative approaches, fully evaluate environmental effects under the National Environmental Policy Act and comply with requirements including the Endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act. They are also seeking greater public participation in the rulemaking.

“The facts overwhelmingly show that more roadbuilding and motorized vehicle usage in our forests will fragment and destroy wildlife habitats,” Bonta said, while also pointing to water quality and wildfire concerns.

For California, the debate has a large footprint. The proposed changes would apply nationwide, including to the state’s 20 national