Courtright Reservoir in the Sierra National Forest, California
Credit: USDA/(file photo) 

June 15, 2024 - WASHINGTON – On Thursday, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act, legislation to ensure that all Americans, regardless of physical ability, can access and enjoy our nation’s public lands.

“Our federal lands are a treasure belonging to all Americans, funded by their taxpayer dollars,“said Senator Lee. “Ensuring these lands are accessible to everyone is not just a matter of convenience but essential for allowing all citizens to explore the natural wonders our great country offers.”

Currently, the federal government manages approximately 640 million acres of land, a vast expanse often unreachable for those with disabilities due to restrictions on motorized vehicles and limited road access. Sen. Lee’s bill would mandate that for every square mile of disability-accessible land,at least 2.5 miles of accessible roads be open to motorized vehicles, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these lands without undue hardship.

Key provisions of the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act include:

• Defining Accessibility: Establishing clear definitions for disability-accessible lands to guide federal agencies and ensure consistency across public lands.
• Updating Plans: Directing the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize the updating of travel management plans, improving accessibility for motor vehicle use on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.
• Ensuring Stakeholder Input: Requiring local stakeholder involvement in decisions about road closures to maintain accessibility and meet community needs.
• Maintaining Open Access: Restricting the closure of roads that would prevent lands from meeting accessibility requirements, except in cases of emergency or significant health and safety risks.

The bill also establishes procedures for public notification and involvement in any proposed road closures, ensuring transparency and community participation in the management of public lands. By removing barriers and increasing accessibility, this bill will ensure that the beauty of our landscapes continues to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for generations to come.

Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act: Bill Text | One-Pager

Support for the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act:

"On behalf of our members with disabilities, I would like to thank Senator Lee for his leadership on this issue. Federal land managers are required to analyze the impacts of their decisions on dirt, but they have no requirement to ensure that their decisions don't hurt disabled Americans. Every time decisions are announced to close more of our backcountry roads, I hear from our disabled Americans that they feel discriminated against and ignored. Our federal land managers need strong guidance form Congress to manage our public lands in a way that benefits all Americans, and this legislation provides necessary and powerful protections." - Ben Burr - Executive Director, BlueRibbon Coalition

“As President of the Blue Ribbon Coalition, it has been very disappointing to watch the unprecedented amount of public land closures to motorized vehicle use over the past few years.  These closures do not contemplate the diverse needs of those who use the land.  I am excited to see this piece of legislation from Senator Mike Lee. We all have a right to enjoy public lands and this is a sure step in the right direction and an obvious solution to the challenge of access to those with disabilities.” - Ranch Pratt - President, BlueRibbon Coalition

"Without motorized access, those with special needs and disabilities - including many veterans - will not have access to public lands because they do not have the ability to hike, jump on a bike, or ride a horse. Motorized vehicles are essentially an extension of their body, it’s their legs to enjoy the same great outdoors that able-bodied citizens can enjoy. If you eliminate motorize access to public lands then you take out two user groups that have zero chance to ever experience these public lands. These user groups are not asking to forge new trails, they just want to keep existing routes and trails open so that they can get the same therapeutic experience from nature that able-bodied citizens have access to. At Trail Hero we have had over 5000 veterans and over 1000 people with special needs join us on trails throughout Utah over the last 9 years.” - Rich Klein - President/Founder, Trail Hero

“As President of UTV Utah, one of the largest off-road groups in the state representing over 50,000 families, I strongly support the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act. This crucial legislation will ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from the benefits of outdoor recreation on public lands. Our group has organized numerous rides for those with special needs, allowing them to experience the beauty of our public lands through motorized recreation. Without protected access to these roads and trails, many individuals with disabilities would be deprived of the chance to enjoy these natural spaces. The Act’s requirement for land management agencies to recognize motorized recreation as an important form of disability access is vital. We must safeguard this access to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can continue to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Utah. I urge all stakeholders to support this essential legislation.” - Bud Bruening, President, UTV Utah

"As the Safety and Education Coordinator I support any legislation that protects access for people like myself with mobility limitations. When access is restricted to non motorized use, thousands of people are denied the opportunity to experience that area." - Christie Chatfield, Arizona State Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs

“One of the many blessings of this life is being able to spend time in the outdoors. The Positive affected it has on a persons mind and soul is almost indescribable. Taking away access for those with disabilities would take away the pleasure from them.” - Nick Steinbach, Desert Raiders M/C

“As a cancer survivor who is dealing with long term side effects from chemo it has limited my physical abilities. I can still hike short distances to see things from where I ride my ohv to but if ohv access gets eliminated and the hiking gets further then I would not be able to hike the full distance in. We should not be limiting access to our public lands. The discrimination against motorized and disabled users needs to stop!” - Andy Gordon, Board Member, Castle Country OHV Association

“I have been a lifetime OHV Enthusiast and have used both the state and federal lands in Idaho and surrounding states to recreate. I became disabled in 2021 and now require motorized vehicle access to use these public areas. I am ambulatory paraplegic. I am able to walk short distances but cannot traverse uneven ground very well. I require some kind of motorized assistance to get around out in the desert and the woods. Eliminating motorized access would eliminate me from being able to see and experience the forest and desert.” - Jeff Bell

“I am 83 and have recreated on public lands for over 60 years. Many of my fondness memories are of those activities. Personally some of my most rewarding experiences are sharing outdoor adventures with others who haven't yet enjoyed those I have.” - Glen Zumwalt, Tri-State ATV Association

“I support the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act. Getting outdoors and recreating on our public lands is a right that all Americans should be able to enjoy. But those with Disabilities aren't able to enjoy them in many cases, because they can't access our public lands without the use of motorized transportation. The travel plans that are being implemented by the BLM and Forest Service completely disregard the needs of Americans with disabilities. Being able to get out and enjoy nature improves their mental health, and in many cases their physical health.” - Steven Hawkins, Utah ATV Association

“Access to public property is about more than just recreation, it is a cornerstone of who we are and why we live in the areas we do. Camping, hunting and all forms of recreation are important to our health and well being physically and economically. To limit access affects both. I ask that you please maintain all roads and trails that have historically been in place.” - Darrel Raver, North Idaho Trailblazers

“As a board member of Castle Country I support this. I wouldn't have been able to see half the places I have with my family if we had to hike or were unable to get there on the sxs. Also, we have a disabled kid within our organization and he is able to drive or ride in a sxs with the group to see a bunch of these sites. If we lock up and close the trails he and everyone else with disabilities are then unable to see the same sites as the people who are physically fit enough to hike for miles. This seems to me to be discrimination at its most basic point.” - Jerace Glover, Board Member Castle Country OHV Association

“Since a small stroke in 2020 I have had limited mobility on my left side. I can walk about 50 yards and then I need help. My Jeep is my only way to access the back country and the many beautiful areas of the southwest. As a landscape and nature photographer any limitations to trail access has a direct effect on the areas I can experience, photograph and share. Please support the Bill to provide access for all Americans.” - Steve Williams, Tucson Rough Riders
Source: Senator Mike Lee