The Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project, including commenters' names and contact information, will become part of the public record. Comments, including anonymous comments, will be accepted at any time. However, comments posted after the close of a designated comment period may not be able to be given full consideration.
We have included both the full directives, showing significant changes in yellow highlight, and a summary document of the changes for each directive. We are seeking comment only on the changes to the directives and not on the full text of the directives.
*Please note: the links in the Federal Register Notice were inadvertently switched between the reading room and the public comment form. If you are trying to reach the reading room, please click here: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/ReadingRoom?project=ORMS-2619
3/31/2022: The Forest service is issuing final directives, Forest Service Manual (FSM) 7700 Travel Management – Zero Code and FSM 7710 Travel Management – Travel Planning, that clarify how electric bicycles (e-bikes) are managed on National Forest System lands. The directives add a definition of e-bikes as a class of motor vehicle, including separate definitions for Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes; establish criteria for consideration in designating roads, trails, and areas for e-bike use that are not currently designated for motor vehicle use; update the definition of “bicycle”, and align Forest Service policy with DOI agencies by adding e-bike definitions and requiring site-specific decision-making and environmental analysis at the local level. The directives were published for public comment with a 30-day public comment period, from September 24, 2020 through October 26, 2020. Over 9,140 public comments were received on the proposed directives. Approximately 6,020 were unique letters; with only 5% providing substantive concerns. The substantive comments received did not change Forest Service policy and direction, that is, the Forest Service will continue to manage all classes of e-bikes as motor vehicles and that decisions to allow e-bikes on non-motorized trails will require local-level decision making as required by the Travel Management Rule.
