Control of rural roads that run across public land, if it is public land held by the federal government, should be under state and local control - with states and localities having final say so, as long as the “public entity” across whose land the road passes is consulted - just consulted, not asked for permission. ONLY a “national security” cause should provide an exemption to the federal government, and NOT merely that a federal agency simply wants control.
RS 2477 is a simple and straightforward law. : “The right-of-way for the construction of highways across public lands not reserved for public purposes is hereby granted.”
Congress specifically and clearly reaffirmed the validity and intent of RS 2477 in 1976.
http://www.icmj.com/more_page.php?id=5&keywords=RS_2477_Roads_&_Rights-of-Way_(Summary)