To amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 7254 proposes amending the National Trails System Act to mandate a feasibility study for designating the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct this study within one year of enactment, in consultation with relevant organizations and agencies. The trail, approximately 550 miles long, traverses the ridgelines surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would initiate a formal assessment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail's suitability for national scenic trail status. This could lead to increased federal recognition and potential resource allocation for the trail's maintenance and development. The study itself will involve collaboration between federal, state, and local stakeholders.
Potential Benefits
- Increased recreational opportunities for the public.
- Potential for enhanced conservation and protection of the trail's natural resources.
- Boost to local tourism and economies.
- Improved access to outdoor spaces for diverse populations.
- Potential for increased federal funding for trail maintenance and improvements.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased regulation and restrictions on land use near the trail.
- Possible conflicts between different user groups (e.g., hikers, bikers, equestrians).
- The study itself will require allocation of government resources.
- Potential for increased traffic and congestion in areas surrounding the trail.
- No guarantee that the study will result in the trail being designated as a National Scenic Trail.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) as it involves interstate travel and economic activity related to tourism and recreation. It also aligns with the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) as it concerns federal lands and the management thereof. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).