What Travel Management Means For The Trails We Ride And Maintain, And How To Ensure Your Voice Is Heard. Summary The U.S. Forest Service has issued a Notice of Intent to rewrite the Travel Management Rule, shifting toward an “open unless closed” framework for motorized recreation. While this update introduces modernization—such as clarifying Class 1 pedal-assist e-bike access and expanding […]
Public Comment Period Open Now Through September 21 On Aug 18, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Forest Service released the Roadless Rule Draft EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) and has filed a proposed rule to rescind in its entirety the national 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. If successful, this move will strip protections from millions of […]
The recent reduction of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah represent a concerning shift in federal public lands policy. These National Monument rollbacks are paving the way for broad industrial development, which raises valid concerns for the future of our own protected California landscapes – specifically in places like the San Gabriel Mountains, Berryessa Snow Mountain, […]
In the news…USFS Reorganization, National Monument Roll Backs, Roadless Rule & Travel Managment Updates, Funding for Deferred Maintenance, and Changes to Federal Grant Making Rules As we move through the mid-year mark, the California trail community is navigating significant federal policy shifts, particularly regarding the U.S. Forest Service. Current developments include: have left the future of land management in a […]
For cyclists, inventoried roadless areas (IRAs) are the crown jewels of our public lands. They offer a unique “wilderness-like” experience without the restrictions on bicycles found in designated Wilderness areas. This means we can access some of the most remote and scenic singletrack trails out there. In California, these areas cover about 4.4 million acres across 21 national forests, including the Angeles, Tahoe, and […]
Here in California, our shared passion for mountain biking is deeply tied to the health and accessibility of our incredible public lands. As you have likely heard, the U.S. federal government shut down at midnight on October 1. While far from ideal, the government shutdown calls for solidarity and a renewed commitment to responsible stewardship. Now is the moment to […]
For mountain bikers, nothing beats the feeling of leaving the noise of civilization behind and finding true backcountry bliss. It’s in these remote places, the ones without paved roads, that we see the rugged challenge and solitude that define our sport. This is precisely why we’re so concerned about a new proposal from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to get […]
USDA is seeking comments on its Reorganization Plan. Speak up before the Sep 30 deadline. Lesser known than the First Divide and Third Divide trails, the Second Divide Trail isn’t part of the Downieville Classic courses—and thus remains somewhat of a secret gem for those looking to get away from the crowds. Chelsea Jolly traverses above the swimming pools and […]
Stop the Senate’s Revised Plan to Sell Off Public Lands Senator Mike Lee of Utah just introduced a revised public lands sale provision. This time, it targets BLM lands near communities across the West, including significant portions of California. Take Two Thanks to you, Lee’s previous attempt to force the sale of 3.3 million acres was rejected earlier this week, […]
Senate Parliamentarian Blocks Sale of Public Lands in Reconciliation Bill In brighter news today, the Senate Parliamentarian blocked the sale of public lands outlined in the Senate Reconciliation Bill. This outcome is a direct result of the collective advocacy from thousands of mountain bikers and other recreational users like you. Your voices have been heard, and your engagement has made […]