News Release
News Release Date: October 1, 2026
Contact:
Big Cypress National Preserve
OCHOPEE, Fla. — The National Park Service is proposing updates to special regulations for Big Cypress National Preserve that would make way for implementation of the 2010 Addition Lands General Management Plan (GMP). This rule would allow the Superintendent to establish the Addition Lands designated off-road vehicle trail network using existing historic trails. The proposed rule would increase opportunities for recreation, backcountry access and access to hunting areas and camps during hunting seasons.
Since the 1930s, people have used ORVs—such as swamp buggies and all-terrain vehicles—in the Preserve. Existing Original Preserve ORV regulations, established in 1979, rely on a map that did not include 147,000 acres added to the Preserve in 1988, known as the “Addition.” Updating ORV regulations based on the current overall park boundary would give the park superintendent authority to re-open those previously evaluated and approved ORV routes in the Addition Lands after completing site specific surveys.
“At Big Cypress National Preserve, we are committed to balancing public access with conservation,” said Big Cypress National Preserve Superintendent Tom Forsyth. “These proposed changes will help ensure the Preserve remains accessible for recreation and hunting on designated trails while protecting its unique natural resources.”
The NPS developed the Addition Lands GMP with input from federal and state agencies, tribes and the public over several comment periods. These stakeholders anticipate and expect the NPS to implement the plan, which would be made possible by the proposed changes.
The proposed rule will be available for a 60-day public review and comment period to help inform the National Park Service’s consideration of the proposal. The National Park Service will carefully review public comments before making any final decisions.
To read the proposed rule and submit a comment, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-20251 or visit www.federalregister.gov and search for “1024-AE54.”
nps.gov
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Last updated: October 1, 2026