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Council approves $350,000 to fund state legal work against proposed federal road closures
Summary
The council awarded $350,000 to Public Lands Access Protection (PLPCO) to support state representation in federal travel-management disputes, citing RS2477 rights-of-way concerns; Chair Blankenagel recused from the vote.
The Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Council approved a $350,000 grant to support Public Lands Access Protection (PLPCO), an organization that will represent state interests in federal land management coordination and litigation aimed at preventing road closures in Travel Management Plans. Presenter Redge Johnson described the request as funding "to represent state interests in federal land management" and highlighted tools such as "Access Map 360" used to identify historic rights-of-way.
Redge Johnson told the council the work focuses on RS2477 rights-of-way and coordinated responses to proposed federal TMPs. The motion carried via roll call; Chairman Jason Blankenagel declared a conflict and did not vote. The council’s approval authorizes the Division to contract for the legal services and associated coordination work; staff will follow standard contracting procedures.
Council members and public commenters emphasized the grant’s legal purpose rather than direct trail construction. The award aims to preserve motorized access on routes the state considers historic public ways; legal outcomes will depend on subsequent proceedings and are not guaranteed by the grant itself.
