A bill 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
- S. 1135
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-13T19:20:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (S. 1135) aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate whether the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Utah qualifies for inclusion in the national trails system as a national scenic trail. The national trails system preserves and promotes historic, scenic, and recreational trails across the U.S.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Existing Law: The bill modifies Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c)), which lists potential trails for feasibility studies.
- Trail Description: Adds a new entry (paragraph 50) defining the Bonneville Shoreline Trail as a network of existing and potential trails spanning about 280 miles. It runs from the Idaho-Utah border to Nephi, Utah, along the "Bonneville bench"—a landform left by the ancient Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric lake that once covered parts of the western U.S.
- Study Requirement: Upon addition to the list, the Secretary of the Interior must conduct a feasibility study to assess the trail's suitability for national designation, including factors like historical significance, scenic value, public use, and management needs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the list of trails eligible for feasibility studies under the National Trails System Act by including the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.
- No immediate designation occurs; the change only triggers a required assessment process, which could lead to future protections or funding if the trail is approved.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior (likely through the National Park Service) will need to allocate resources for the study, potentially involving fieldwork, public input, and environmental reviews. This could influence future trail management budgets.
- Citizens: Residents and visitors in Utah may benefit from enhanced recreational opportunities if the trail is designated, promoting hiking, biking, and outdoor education. Local economies could see boosts from tourism.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on a domestic trail within U.S. borders.
- Broader Effects: Could support conservation of natural and cultural resources tied to Lake Bonneville's history, while encouraging sustainable land use in growing urban areas near the trail.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Secretary of the Interior and National Park Service, responsible for conducting the study.
- State and Local Entities: Utah state government, counties along the trail route (e.g., from the Idaho border to Nephi), and local trail organizations involved in maintenance and promotion.
- Public Users: Hikers, cyclists, environmental groups, and historians interested in the trail's recreational and educational value.
- Landowners and Communities: Private property owners and indigenous groups near the trail, who may participate in planning to balance access with land rights.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with the National Trails System Act's framework for studying trails before designation, ensuring a structured process without bypassing environmental laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (which requires impact assessments for federal actions).
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; the bill exercises Congress's authority over federal lands and public resources under the Property Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Sponsored by Utah senators (Curtis and Lee), it reflects regional priorities for preserving local heritage and recreation. If enacted, it could set a precedent for studying other state-specific trails, potentially sparking bipartisan support for outdoor infrastructure in Western states. The study itself carries low controversy, as it does not mandate changes without further congressional approval.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-04: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2025-12-09: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
- 2025-03-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-26: Introduced in Senate
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 2025-03-26 — PDF (2 pages)