Speak Up for Trails and Running in Our National Forests

The U.S. Forest Service is considering major changes to the Travel Management Rule, which determines where motor vehicles can travel across nearly 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands. For runners, these rules help shape what we find when we hit the trail—from local singletrack and high-country training routes to 50K and 100-mile race courses. The proposed changes could mean more motorized use on some trails, renewed use of old roads and two-tracks, and additional off-route vehicle travel—with consequences for trail conditions, erosion, noise, safety, wildlife, and the quiet backcountry settings that make running on national forests special.

Most significantly, the Forest Service is considering eliminating national requirements to minimize damage to natural resources, impacts to wildlife, and conflicts between motor vehicles and other recreation, while establishing a new presumption favoring access to existing roads and trails. The agency is also considering regularly reviewing closed routes for possible reopening, expanding off-route motorized use, changing how Class 1 e-bikes are managed, and replacing the requirement to identify the “minimum road system” necessary. That last change matters: the Forest Service already manages an enormous road network with billions of dollars in deferred maintenance. Expanding or reopening routes can add costs while diverting limited resources from maintaining trails, bridges, trailheads, and other recreation infrastructure.

Tell the Forest Service that runners need more than trails that are technically open—we need trails and landscapes that are safe, sustainable, and protected for quality running experiences. Comments are due September 23, 2026. Use the editable letter below and personalize it by naming a national forest, trail, race, training route, or backcountry area that matters to you.