Travel Management Planning on Public Lands

Travel on the public lands – whether motorized or non-motorized, on roads and trails or cross-country – is a resource that the BLM manages along with numerous others. Travel management plans (TMPs) specify road and trail systems in the context of the broader resource management plan (RMP) for given planning areas. For public lands in Idaho, the planning areas correspond to BLM Field Offices.

The RMP identifies areas 1) open to cross-country travel, 2) where travel is limited to existing or designated routes, and 3) closed to all motorized travel. Most public lands are in the “limited” category. Lands may be “closed” to all motorized travel when they contain sensitive or legally-protected resources, or to protect public safety. Some closures are seasonal or otherwise temporary, such as emergency closures to allow lands to stabilize and recover following a wildland fire. Motorized cross-country travel (off-road) is discouraged in all but small areas designated “open” to this activity because it can damage wildlife habitat, spread noxious weeds, increase erosion, or ignite wildfires.

The TMP establishes designated routes on lands where travel is limited in the RMP. The plan may also designate or limit the types of travel allowed on designated routes: motorized (motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs and 4WD) and/or non-motorized (hiking, mountain biking, equestrian).

Travel Management Planning on Public Lands in Idaho

Planning a road and trail system on 11 million acres of public land requires detailed planning and active public participation and review.

The blue areas on the map to the right show where route systems have either been completed or are underway.  These areas include BLM lands in north Idaho, the Challis Field Office in central Idaho, the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, and the Owyhee Front (Owyhee and Bruneau Field Offices).  The BLM is also assisting Blaine County (Shoshone Field Office) on a county-wide travel plan and collaborating with the National Park Service on a comprehensive travel plan for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

The yellow areas on the map show the next phase – where planning is scheduled to begin in coming years.

The grey areas on the map are places where it will take longer to complete road and trail systems. Revised RMPs are needed to designate route systems in these areas.

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OHV Recreation in Idaho

www.idaho-ohv.org has comprehensive information about trails and open-ride areas on lands managed by the BLM, the Forest Service, the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, and the Idaho Department of Lands.

Download trail maps and learn where to ride, how to register your vehicle, how to ride responsibly, and information about using an OHV when hunting.