To amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3451
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:54:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 3451) aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate whether the Bonneville Shoreline Trail should be added to the National Trails System as a national scenic trail. The National Trails System Act protects and promotes significant trails for recreation, history, and conservation across the U.S.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c)) by adding a new entry (paragraph 50).
- Describes the Bonneville Shoreline Trail as a network of existing and potential paths spanning about 280 miles, running from the Idaho-Utah border to Nephi, Utah.
- The trail follows the "Bonneville bench," a natural ridge formed by the ancient Lake Bonneville (a prehistoric lake that once covered parts of the western U.S.).
- Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study, assessing factors like historical significance, public use, environmental impact, and costs of potential designation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Adds the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to the official list of potential national trails under the National Trails System Act.
- This triggers a mandatory study process that was not previously required for this specific trail, expanding the scope of trails under federal consideration for protection and development.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of the Interior (likely through the National Park Service) would need to allocate resources for the feasibility study, including fieldwork, public input, and reporting to Congress. If designated, it could lead to federal funding for trail maintenance and management.
- Citizens: Could enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking and biking, for residents and visitors in Utah and Idaho, promoting health, tourism, and local economies. No immediate restrictions on land use, as it's only a study.
- International relations: None apparent, as the trail is entirely domestic.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal government: Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service, responsible for the study and potential future oversight.
- Local communities: Residents, landowners, and governments in Utah (from the Idaho border to Nephi) who may benefit from trail development or face minor planning requirements.
- Public users: Hikers, cyclists, and environmental enthusiasts who could gain access to a protected scenic route.
- Conservation groups: Organizations focused on trail preservation and natural history, such as those preserving Lake Bonneville's legacy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The amendment aligns with the National Trails System Act's framework for studying and designating trails, ensuring compliance with environmental reviews (e.g., under the National Environmental Policy Act). It does not create new rights or obligations yet, pending study results and congressional approval for designation.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; it involves federal authority over public lands, which is well-established under Congress's property clause in the Constitution.
- Political: Represents targeted advocacy for regional interests in Utah (introduced by Rep. Kennedy), potentially boosting bipartisan support for conservation. As a study bill, it has low controversy but could influence future debates on federal land use in the West.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Moore, Blake D. [R-UT-1], Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2], Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-05-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-05-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on the feasibility of designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (2 pages)