USFS Travel Management Plans: What are they and how do they work?

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) plays a crucial role in managing public land across the country and over 9-million acres in Wyoming. Over the last year, there have been several reports that the 2005 Travel Management Rule (Rule) is being actively reviewed by the USFS. This article explains what Travel Management Plans are, how they are developed, and what a possible recission would mean for Wyoming Counties.

In December 2025, the USFS withdrew its 2016 Notice of Intent to create a Travel Management Plan for the Shoshone National Forest. In Wyoming, only the Caribou-Targhee has an independent Travel Management Plan for the Westside, Soda Springs, and Montpelier Ranger Districts. The remaining districts of the Caribou-Targhee, Shoshone, Bighorn, Black Hills, Bridger-Teton, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache, and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest & Thunder Basin National Grassland each manage travel using Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs), which outline designated routes and travel decisions.

What is a Travel Management Plan?

A Travel Management Plan is a detailed strategy developed by the Forest Service, often in cooperation with state and local governments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to regulate motorized and non-motorized travel on public land. These plans identify which roads, trails, and areas are open to vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles, and which are closed to protect natural resources, wildlife habitats, and cultural sites.

The goal is to balance public access with conservation. Without clear guidelines, unrestricted travel can lead to soil erosion, water pollution, habitat destruction, and conflicts among different user groups. Plans help reduce these risks by:

• Defining designated routes for motorized travel

• Protecting sensitive areas from damage

• Improving safety for visitors

• Supporting sustainable recreation and resource use

  
  

How the USFS Develops Travel Management Plans

Creating a Travel Management Plan involves a multi-step process that includes public input, NEPA environmental analysis, and collaboration with local governments and stakeholders. The process typically follows these stages:

1. Notice of Intent: The USFS announces its plan to develop or revise a Travel Management Plan for a specific forest or area in the Code of Federal Regulations. This step invites public awareness and early feedback. This step formally starts the NEPA process.

   
   

2. Data Collection and Analysis: The Forest Service gathers information on existing roads and trails, environmental conditions, wildlife habitats, and current use patterns.

   
   

3. Public Engagement: The USFS holds meetings, workshops, and comment periods to hear from county commissioners, local residents, recreational users, and conservation groups.

   
   

4. Draft Plan Development: Based on data and public input, the USFS drafts a plan that designates which routes remain open, which close, and any new restrictions or improvements.

   
   

5. Environmental Review: As part of its compliance with NEPA, the USFS generates an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement to evaluate potential effects on ecosystems and communities.

   
   

6. Final Plan and Implementation: After considering all feedback and environmental findings, the USFS issues a final Travel Management Plan and begins enforcement and monitoring.

   
   

This process can take years, reflecting the complexity of balancing multiple interests on public land.

The Impact of Travel Management Plans on Local Communities

Travel Management Plans affect more than just forest visitors, they have direct implications for county governments and residents, including:

• Economic Effects: Access to public land supports tourism, outdoor recreation businesses, and local jobs. Restrictions can reduce visitor numbers or shift use patterns.

  
  

• Infrastructure and Maintenance: Designated routes require upkeep. Counties may partner with the USFS to maintain roads and trails, sharing costs and responsibilities.

  
  

• Environmental Protection: Proper management helps preserve water quality, wildlife habitat, and scenic values that benefit communities.

  
  

• Public Safety: Clear travel rules reduce accidents and conflicts among users, improving overall safety.

  
  

County commissioners should understand how Travel Management Plans align with local land use goals and advocate for plans that balance access with conservation.

How County Commissioners Can Engage with Travel Management Planning

County officials have several opportunities to influence Travel Management Plans:

• Participate Early: Engage during the Notice of Intent and public comment periods to provide local perspectives.

  
  

• Work Together with USFS Staff: Under NEPA, county commissioners can engage as cooperating agencies to exchange data and express concerns.

• Coordinate with Stakeholders: Work with the USFS to identify recreation groups, conservation organizations, and residents.

  
  

• Monitor Implementation: Track how plans affect local roads, tourism, and natural resources over time.

  
  

Active involvement helps ensure Travel Management supports community priorities and sustainable use of public land.

Key Takeaways for County Commissioners

Travel Management Plans help the USFS to regulate travel on public land, balancing access with resource protection. The withdrawal of the Shoshone National Forest plan after a decade shows that these processes can be complex and subject to change. County commissioners play a vital role by engaging early, collaborating with the Forest Service, and representing local interests.

Understanding how Travel Management works helps counties prepare for changes, support sustainable recreation, and protect natural assets that benefit residents and visitors alike. Staying informed and involved is the best way to influence outcomes that affect public land and local communities.