Nebraska forest officials are considering restricting off-road vehicles at the state's national forests and grasslands.

The proposed rules would confine off-road vehicles to designated roads and trails. There are now few restrictions.

The changes could also affect hundreds of miles of roadways and trails now open to both highway and off-road vehicle traffic.

Open houses to discuss the changes are planned for January in Valentine, Chadron, North Platte and Grand Island.

Areas that would be affected include the Nebraska National Forest Bessey Unit near Halsey, the Samuel McKelvie National Forest near the confluence of the Snake and Niobrara rivers and the Nebraska National Forest Pine Ridge Unit near Chadron.

The Oglala National Grassland in the northwest corner of the state would also be affected.