Shawnee National Forest Trails Must Dedicate 20% to ATVs and E-Bikes, Guaranteeing Motorized Access

The Shawnee Trail Riders Attaining Individuals Liberties Act, or the Shawnee TRAILS Act, is a short piece of legislation that mandates a major change in how the Shawnee National Forest manages its trail systems. Simply put, this bill forces the Secretary of Agriculture to set aside and maintain at least 20% of all trails in the forest specifically for recreational use by “covered vehicles.”

What are “covered vehicles”? The bill (SEC. 2) defines them as electric bicycles (e-bikes) and off-highway vehicles (OHVs), which include common off-road vehicles like ATVs and ORVs. This means that one-fifth of the forest’s trail network must be managed to accommodate motorized use, guaranteeing access for riders of these vehicles. Furthermore, the Secretary is explicitly prohibited from restricting these vehicles on any paved roads already inside the forest.

The Mandate: 20% Motorized Minimum

This 20% requirement is the core of the bill, and it’s a big deal for public land management. It takes discretion away from the Forest Service regarding a significant chunk of the trail system. For the motorized recreation community—the ATV riders and e-bike users—this is a clear win, guaranteeing them a substantial, permanent footprint within the forest. The bill also requires that the Secretary must always keep at least one of these designated trails open for covered vehicles, no matter what.

However, this guaranteed access comes with a catch for the Forest Service. They are tasked with two potentially conflicting goals (SEC. 2). While they must maintain the trails well enough for vehicle riding, they must also “keep any negative effects on the natural resources to a minimum.” The bill doesn't define what “minimum” means or provide metrics for measuring those negative effects. This vagueness could be a problem down the line, potentially leaving the door open for significant environmental impact if the Forest Service prioritizes vehicle accessibility over strict resource protection, especially on 20% of the trails.

Where Do Hikers and Equestrians Go?

If you’re a hiker, runner, or horseback rider who prefers a quiet, non-motorized experience, this bill could shrink your available space. Mandating that 20% of trails be dedicated to OHVs and e-bikes effectively limits the amount of trail space available for non-motorized recreational users. Imagine planning a backpacking trip only to find that the trails previously dedicated to quiet enjoyment are now shared with—or potentially damaged by—motorized vehicles.

This shift in priority could lead to increased conflict between user groups. While the bill aims to support trail riders, it doesn't address how this will impact the experience of those seeking solitude or non-motorized recreation. It’s a classic public land dilemma: how do you balance the needs of loud, fast recreation with quiet, slow recreation when the land is a finite resource? The Shawnee TRAILS Act leans heavily toward guaranteeing the motorized side of that equation.