The new Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that federal land managers evaluate how their plans affect Americans with disabilities. This would require the Bureau of Land Management to either reopen previously closed motorized vehicle routes or create new ones if the route density falls below a certain threshold, reported FOX 13 News.
It’s important to recognize that many individuals are unable to enjoy public lands without access to motorized transportation.
“When you go around town, you’ll see ramps, elevators, and other accommodations for people with disabilities, but outdoors, there are none,” said Bud Bruening, President of UTV Utah. “Unless you can walk and hike, you’re really limited on where you can go.”
Sen. Mike Lee (R) recently introduced the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act to keep trails accessible for all Americans. “Motorized recreation levels the playing field, allowing all taxpayers to enjoy our public lands,” Bruening added.
The bill, supported by UTV Utah, the Blue Ribbon Coalition, and other off-roading groups, requires the Bureau of Land Management to maintain a certain number of routes open on public lands managed for multiple use. “If route density falls below a certain level, federal land managers must reopen previously closed routes or build new ones,” explained Ben Burr, Executive Director of the Blue Ribbon Coalition.
The BLM has been closing off-road trails to protect wildlife and the environment as part of a settlement agreement. The bill doesn’t seek new trails but aims to retain existing ones for off-roaders, said Burr. “Americans with disabilities are a protected class under the law and should have their rights clearly defined and considered in these plans,” he emphasized.
