The US Forest Service Takes Action on the Travel Management Rule
On Aug. 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture posted its Notice of Intent for its proposed Access Rule, which would reform the U.S. Forest Service’s Travel Management Rule (TMR). The NOI is designed to elicit public comments that will shape how additional access is achieved while retaining key provisions of the existing Travel Management Rule that protect OHV recreation. The 2005 TMR provides the basic framework that requires National Forests to designate roads, trails, and areas available for motor-vehicle use, while generally prohibiting motorized travel outside those areas.
The Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America support provisions of the NOI that preserve existing motorized recreation opportunities documented in Motor Vehicle Use Maps. Further, the Associations will submit comments to the NOI supporting increased sustainable access for OHV recreation developed through collaborative processes.
“The Associations see the value of having clear guidelines by which USFS infrastructure is managed,” said Scott Schloegel, senior vice president of Government Relations for the Associations. “Revising the TMR will keep those guidelines in place while allowing for increased access to motorized trails and providing an opportunity to significantly improve recreational access on USFS lands.”
ARRA encourages other member companies/organizations/associations to also weigh in with their concerns or support ahead of the September 26th deadline.
ORR Hosting National Outdoor Recreation Workforce Webinar
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) is hosting a national webinar on outdoor recreation workforce priorities on Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. ET. This new resource will help guide cross-cutting state and federal policies that support the 5.2 million-strong outdoor recreation workforce—a vital sector of the U.S. economy. Participants will learn about the new priorities developed with input from industry, colleges, universities, and trade schools, and hear from leading voices on the future of the outdoor recreation workforce.
A primary goal is to reach hiring leads, state workforce agencies, community colleges, training providers, economic development organizations, and other partners working at the intersection of outdoor recreation, education, and workforce development.
Click here to register.
States Continue to Provide Funding for Outdoor Recreation
States continue to build momentum in advancing outdoor recreation by investing in infrastructure, supporting outdoor businesses, and creating new opportunities for communities nationwide. From motorized and trail recreation investments to workforce development, youth programming, and statewide celebrations, these efforts highlight the growing role outdoor recreation plays in strengthening rural economies and improving quality of life. This month, several states announced new initiatives and investments that underscore the continued expansion and importance of the outdoor recreation economy.
- Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office led a celebration for Colorado’s 150th anniversary that coordinated groups from across the state summiting every 14,000-foot peak.
- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont directed funds from the state’s Rural Health Transformation Program to infrastructure investments on the Air Line State Park Trail and for support of the Connecticut Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. A total investment of $40 million over five years, with first-year funding of $7,165,955, was secured for initial improvements, including surface upgrades, drainage, and access and signage.
- The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Tourism Office have officially named Lora Friest the inaugural program manager of the newly established Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation. Iowa is the 25th state to create an outdoor recreation office. In 2024, outdoor recreation was a nearly $6 billion industry in Iowa, accounting for 2.2% of the state’s gross domestic product. These figures place Iowa 33rd in the country for the outdoor recreation economy and 25th for overall growth.
- Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo announced $250,000 in Youth Outdoor Growth and Innovation (YOGI) grant funding.
- The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division has opened applications for its Adventure Pitch Fest, a statewide showcase and live pitch competition offering $15,000 in cash prizes. In addition, applications are now open for ActivatOR, a free 7-week business growth accelerator for outdoor businesses.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro opened a grant application for snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, motorized trails, and facilities-related projects — to further improve and strengthen the Commonwealth’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation industry and boost rural economies.