Shawnee TRAILS Act
H.R. 3487, the Shawnee TRAILS Act, would require the Secretary of Agriculture to designate and maintain at least 20 percent of the trails in the Shawnee National Forest for recreational use by “covered vehicles” (specifically e-bikes and off-highway vehicles such as ATVs and ORVs). The Secretary would also manage and monitor these designated trails to ensure they are maintained for recreational use (including trail riding), while seeking to minimize adverse environmental impacts, and to keep at least one trail open for recreational use by covered vehicles at all times. Additionally, the bill prohibits the Secretary from prohibiting the use of covered vehicles on paved roads within the Shawnee National Forest. The act is titled the Shawnee Trail Riders Attaining Individuals Liberties Act (Shawnee TRAILS Act). It was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Agriculture.
Key Points
- 1Designate and maintain at least 20% of Shawnee National Forest trails for recreational use by covered vehicles (e-bikes and OHVs, including ATVs and ORVs).
- 2The Secretary must manage and monitor these trails to ensure maintenance for recreational use, minimize environmental impacts, and keep at least one trail open for covered-vehicle recreation at all times.
- 3The Secretary may not prohibit covered-vehicle use on paved roads within the Shawnee National Forest.
- 4Definitions: “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture; “covered vehicles” means electric bicycles (e-bikes) and off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including ATVs and ORVs.
- 5Legislative status: Introduced in the House (May 19, 2025), referred to the Committee on Agriculture.