When did the rule become effective? How will roads, trails, and areas be designated?
A. The rule became effective 12/9/2005 , 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register in November 2005. However, the rule itself does not open or prohibit use of any road, trail, or area. The final rule establishes national guidance for making designation decisions at the local level. Each national forest or grassland will assess its current travel management direction, involve the public, and determine whether changes are needed. The rule does not require reconsideration of past decisions. Designations will be made with public involvement, coordination with federal, state, county and other local governmental entities and tribal governments, and appropriate environmental analysis and documentation. Once an administrative unit or a ranger district completes the designation process and publishes a motor vehicle use map, the rule prohibits motor vehicle use inconsistent with those designations.
