PRESIDENT TRUMP REMOVES UNNECESSARY RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS TO FEDERAL LANDS
ORBA applauds President Trump’s Executive Order rescinding Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, a significant step toward modernizing how federal agencies manage off-highway vehicle access and recreation on public lands.
For nearly 50 years, these Executive Orders have shaped the regulatory framework used in federal route designation and travel management decisions across millions of acres of public land. Their rescission begins a process that could fundamentally reshape how agencies approach access, recreation, infrastructure, and multiple-use management moving forward.
ORBA has been working with a coalition of recreation, industry, and public lands stakeholders in formally supporting this action and has participated in ongoing discussions with Department of the Interior leadership regarding opportunities to modernize public land access policies while maintaining responsible stewardship and existing environmental protections.
While this Executive Order does not automatically reopen routes or overturn existing land-use plans, it has the potential to influence future agency decision-making and rulemaking efforts, including the framework used in large-scale travel management and access planning initiatives across the West.
For recreationists, businesses, and communities concerned about access issues such as the West Mojave (WEMO) planning area and similar route designation efforts, today’s action signals a renewed focus on balancing conservation, recreation, access, and multiple-use management on America’s public lands.
Substantial work remains ahead through agency rulemaking and implementation, but today’s announcement represents one of the most significant public lands and recreation policy developments in decades.
ORBA looks forward to continuing to engage throughout the process and advocate for responsible motorized recreation, access to public lands, and balanced multiple-use management for all Americans.