The Forest Service is seeking public input on more changes to the employee handbook.

The Forest Service is seeking public input on changes to the employee handbook FSM7700 and 7710 E-bikes #ORMS-2619. These new changes will provide the directives required to redefine e-bikes as motorized vehicles and facilitate and expand access for e-bike use under existing Travel Management rules.

Please take some time to read the five documents and submit your comments to the USDA Forest Service.

You can submit your comments using the online comment form HERE.

The following message is from the USDA Forest Service.

FSM 7700 and 7710 E-bikes #ORMS-2619

Advancements in e-bike technology, tremendous growth in the popularity of this recreational activity, and rapidly increasing opportunities for e-bike use on other federal lands have prompted federal agencies such as the USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service to examine current authority, regulations, and policy governing the use of e-bikes. Federal land management agencies are considering options for facilitating and expanding access for e-bikes use.

The Forest Service is currently requesting public input on proposed updates to directives that clarify how e-bikes are managed on national forests whereby creating an e-bike definition and by adopting the three classes of e-bikes for designation as motor vehicles. These directive updates provide needed guidance to field units under existing Travel Management Rule definitions, and establish criteria to designate roads, trails and areas for e-bikes use.

The Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project, including commenters’ names and contact information, will become part of the public record. Comments, including anonymous comments, will be accepted at any time. However, comments posted after the close of a designated comment period may not be able to be given full consideration.

We have included both the full directives, showing significant changes in yellow highlight, and a summary document of the changes for each directive. We are seeking comment only on the changes to the directives and not on the full text of the directives.

Your comments are requested by 10/26/2020.

Documents

Proposed Directive FSM 7700

Proposed Directive FSM 7710

Proposed Directive FSM 7700 Summary

Proposed Directive FSM 7710 Summary

Federal Register Notice 09242020

Author: Kevin Allard

Kevin is an American outdoorsman born and raised in rural Arizona who grew up exploring the Arizona backcountry with his father. Today, he and his son travel to the most remote regions of Arizona, scavenging for the remains of early western pioneers. As a lifelong outdoorsman, Kevin has learned to stick close to his roots while engaging in important advocacy work regarding motorized access to public lands. You can find his work in many local and nationwide publications, including The Western Journal, 4Low Magazine, and his website AZBackroads.com.