Public Lands Rights-Of-Way and Access — An Update

This paper has two sections. The first is a “nuts and bolts” outline and update of the primary laws, regulations and guidance governing rights-of-way and access across federal lands managed by the BLM and Forest Service. The second section discusses recent developments on two issues that affect public land access on a broad scale - R.S. 2477 roads and wilderness management. Both of these developments signal continued movement by the Bush Administration towards increased access to public lands throughout the West, in contrast to the policies of the prior administration.