ORBA ACTION ALERT: Support Responsible Off-Road Access at Big Cypress National Preserve

ORBA ACTION ALERT

Support Responsible Off-Road Access at Big Cypress National Preserve

Public Comments Due December 1, 2026

The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting public comments on a proposed rule that could help expand off-road vehicle access within Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. The proposal would update an outdated regulation that relies on a 1975 map – this outdated map does not include approximately 147,000 acres added to the Preserve in 1988, known as the “Addition Lands.” Updating the regulation would allow the NPS to implement previously planned and evaluated off-road vehicle access within those lands through a system of designated routes.

ORBA has already weighed in. ORBA submitted formal comments to the NPS on Oct. 6th, supporting the proposed update and encouraging the agency to move forward with responsible, designated motorized access in the Addition Lands while maintaining clear maps and appropriate resource protections.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Current Big Cypress regulations reference an outdated map that predates the Addition Lands. The NPS is proposing to replace that map reference with one showing the Preserve's current boundary.

This change would allow the Superintendent to establish designated ORV routes within the Addition Lands consistent with the NPS’s existing management plans. Importantly, the proposal does not authorize unrestricted or cross-country ORV use. Routes would still have to be designated and managed by the agency, and previously evaluated routes within the Addition Lands would be reopened only after applicable site-specific surveys and review.

WHY THIS MATTERS

For decades, motorized access has been part of the recreational and traditional use of Big Cypress National Preserve. The proposed rule provides an opportunity to restore responsible access to areas where motorized recreation has been limited by an outdated regulatory map rather than current on-the-ground planning. NPS’s proposal also:

- Provides meaningful motorized access on designated routes.

- Implements previously evaluated recreation opportunities in the Addition Lands.

- Uses site-specific management rather than unnecessarily broad restrictions.

- Protects natural and cultural resources while preserving responsible public access.

- Provides clear, current maps so visitors understand where motorized use is allowed.

- Maintains transparent and predictable rules for closures and operating requirements.

Healthy public lands and meaningful public access can, and should, coexist.

TAKE ACTION

ORBA encourages off-road enthusiasts, businesses, clubs, hunters and other public-land users to submit individual comments supporting the proposed rule.

Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on December 1, 2026.

Comments may be submitted electronically through Regulations.gov by searching for RIN 1024-AE54.

MAKE YOUR COMMENT COUNT

Personalized comments are more useful than simply copying a form letter. Tell the National Park Service why responsible motorized access matters to you and, when possible, explain your personal connection to Big Cypress, public lands, hunting, recreation or the off-road community.

- Your support for updating the outdated map referenced in the existing regulation.

- Your support for implementing designated ORV routes within the Addition Lands.

- The importance of maintaining reasonable access for recreation, hunting, camping and other traditional uses.

- The value of designated routes as a way to provide access while protecting sensitive resources.

- The importance of clear and publicly accessible maps showing open routes, closures and operating requirements.

- Your support for timely implementation of routes that have already been evaluated and approved once required site-specific review is complete.

SAMPLE COMMENT

I support the National Park Service's proposed rule for off-road motor vehicle use at Big Cypress National Preserve.

Updating the outdated map referenced in the current regulation is an important step toward implementing responsible motorized access within the Addition Lands.

I support providing access through designated and properly managed routes while protecting the natural and cultural resources of the Preserve. Once required site-specific reviews are completed, I encourage the National Park Service to move forward with reopening appropriate routes and to provide clear, easily accessible maps showing where motorized recreation is permitted.

Responsible recreation and conservation can coexist, and designated motorized access provides an important way for the public to experience and enjoy Big Cypress National Preserve.

Thank you for considering my comments.

RESOURCES

National Park Service Proposed Rule: Big Cypress National Preserve; Off-Road Motor Vehicles

Federal Register Document 2026-20251 | RIN 1024-AE54

Submit a Comment: Visit Regulations.gov and search 1024-AE54.

ORBA Formal Comment: Submitted October 6, 2026.