Legislation to Support Full Funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Introduced
Sens. Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Risch (R-Idaho), Welch (D-Vt.), and Budd (R-N.C.) introduced legislation designed to fully fund the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). S. 5583, the RTP Full Funding Act, is designed to ensure that RTP will be funded at a level commensurate with the amount of taxes off-highway vehicle enthusiasts pay when fueling their machines at the gas pump. Currently, RTP is funded at about $84 million annually, while the most recent estimate found that OHV enthusiasts pay about $281 million annually. The introduction of S. 5583 is an important first step to ensuring a bright future for RTP before efforts are continued in the next Congress.
“We thank Senators Klobuchar, Risch, Welch, and Budd for introducing this important legislation, which will ensure full funding for arguably the most important federal program ever implemented to benefit off-highway vehicle recreation,” said Christy LaCurelle, president & CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council. “RTP relies on the user-pay, user-benefit model, and motorcycle enthusiasts are proud that the contributions we make at the pump are going to be better utilized to ensure the continued success of trail-based recreational opportunities across the country.”
The RTP embraces the “user-pay/user-benefit” philosophy of the Highway Trust Fund, returning federal tax on fuel used for nonhighway recreation to the states for trail projects. Although the tax supporting the Fund is paid only by gas-using vehicles, revenue is available for all recreational trails, including those used for hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle/off-highway motorcycle riding, recreational off-highway vehicle driving or using other off-road motorized vehicles. Thirty percent of grants funded by RTP must be used for motorized recreation, 30% must be used for non-motorized recreation, and 40% is dedicated for mixed use trails that may or may not include motorized recreation.
The EXPLORE Act Passes in the Final Days of the 118th Congress
On Dec. 19, the Senate passed H.R. 6492, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act), by unanimous consent. With no time left to spare, the Senate passed the House version to avoid sending it back to the House. Recognizing that changes needed to be made to mirror the Senate companion, S. 873, America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023, Sens. Manchin and Barrasso received assurance from Rep. Bruce Westerman that the negotiated changes would be addressed. Rep. Westerman, chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced the EXPLORE Act in November 2023.
“The powersports industry and the millions of recreational riders and drivers thank Senators Joe Manchin, John Barrasso, and Congressmen Bruce Westerman and Raúl Grijalva for their leadership in passing the EXPLORE Act,” said LaCurelle. “A commitment to the outdoor recreation industry is an investment in the health and wellness of America.”
The bipartisan passage of the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act is a groundbreaking step in enhancing outdoor opportunities, economic vitality, and equitable access to public lands. On Jan. 4, President Biden signed the EXPLORE Act into law.
The EXPLORE Act includes key measures to:
- Expand access to outdoor recreation for all Americans, particularly those in underserved and urban areas.
- Enhance opportunities for motorized and non-motorized recreation, ensuring diverse outdoor experiences for enthusiasts.
- Strengthen the outdoor economy by investing in infrastructure and resources that benefit recreation-based businesses.
- Promote sustainable use of public lands through modernization efforts and public-private partnerships.
- Support local businesses and gateway communities that rely on outdoor tourism and recreation.
Recent USFS and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Activity
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is accepting applications for the Community Wildfire Defense Grantprogram to assist at-risk communities, including tribes and Alaska Native Corporations, with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks. Now in its third year, this competitive program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda. Notices of funding opportunities are available on gov. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on Feb. 28. Applicants are strongly encouraged to develop proposals in consultation with state or Forest Service regional cooperative fire contacts listed in the Notices of Funding Opportunity.
- Shoshone, Idaho–The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Shoshone Field Office staff, in partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association, finished constructing the Golden Hour Trail immediately adjacent to Hailey in the Quigley drainage. You may find additional trail information at https://summertrailink.bcrd.org/. This 4.4-mile trail is now open for use and can be accessed from Silver Lining Trail. It is available to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and Class-1 E-bikers. However, it has more of a mountain biking flare to it. This single-track trail offers new views of Hailey and the Wood River Valley as it contours along the hillside, heading east above Quigley Canyon, eventually re-connecting with Silver Lining Trail.
- Durango, Colo. -Annual seasonal closure of wildlife winter range went into effect on Dec. 1 for public lands in the Durango area managed by the BLM. These closures will remain in place through April 30 to protect wintering mule deer and elk that move down from higher elevations to ride out harsh winter conditions. Closures may be lifted earlier if mild conditions permit. The BLM coordinates with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the City of Durango to identify key wildlife areas for protection while continuing to offer areas open for winter recreation.
- Grand Junction, Colo. – The BLM Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley Field Offices began winter closures on Dec. 1. These seasonal closures protect wildlife and natural resources and reduce road damage. Grand Junction Field Office closures are in effect Dec. 1 – May 1. Details and maps are available at the field office or on the field office seasonal closures web page. Colorado River Valley Field Office closures are in effect from Dec. 1 – April 15. Details and maps are available at the field office or on the field office seasonal closures web page.
- Montrose, Colo. – On Dec. 1, the BLM implemented annual winter closures in the Uncompahgre Field Office to prevent road and trail damage and reduce stress to wintering wildlife. Several animal species, including elk and mule deer, have been found to be more vulnerable to disturbance during winter months.
- Lake Havasu City, Ariz. – The BLM Lake Havasu Field Office announced the temporary closure and restriction of selected public lands for the 2025 Unlimited Racing’s Parker 400 race in La Paz County. The closure and restriction will go into effect from 11:59 p.m. Jan. 7 through 11:59 p.m. Jan. 20.
- Kremmling, Colo. – Winter wildlife and seasonal road closures start in December on Bureau of Land Management public lands in Grand, Jackson, and Routt counties. For maps, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/recreation-activities/colorado/closures and Little Snake Field Office Seasonal Closure, Dec. 1 – June 30
- Idaho Falls, Idaho—The Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, has temporarily closed the Stinking Springs area near the South Fork of the Snake River to all motorized vehicles and human entry to support wildlife survival rates. The annual began on Dec. 15 and will continue until sunrise on May 1, although the opening date may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.
- Carson City, Nev. – The BLM, Sierra Front Field Office seasonal motorized vehicle closure of the Sand Hills Critical Wildlife Area went into effect on Dec. 1, 2024 and end on April 30. This habitat area is 20 miles north of Reno, east of Red Rock Road, south of Bedell Flat Road, and west of Bird Springs Road. The annual motorized vehicle closure encompasses approximately 13,300 acres and protects critical winter range habitat for mule deer. Law enforcement will conduct patrols of the closure boundary to ensure compliance with the closure. Areas outside this closure remain open to motorized use, and the public is encouraged to seek alternate riding opportunities.
