Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1142
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-27: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-13T02:07:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 1142: Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act
Purpose
This legislation aims to expand the boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), a federally protected park near San Francisco, California, by incorporating the Scarper Ridge property. The goal is to add this land to enhance the area's conservation and public recreation opportunities under federal management.
Key Provisions
- Boundary Adjustment: The Act amends Section 2(a)(2) of Public Law 92-589 (the original law establishing the GGNRA in 1972) by adding a new subparagraph (F).
- Specific Land Inclusion: The added provision designates land shown as the "Proposed Boundary Addition" on a map titled "Golden Gate National Recreation Area Proposed Boundary Addition," numbered 641/193973, and dated July 2024, as part of the GGNRA boundaries.
- Short Title: The legislation is formally titled the "Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This is a targeted amendment to the GGNRA's enabling statute (16 U.S.C. 460bb-1(a)(2)), which previously outlined the park's boundaries through subparagraphs (A) through (E).
- The change introduces a new subparagraph (F) to explicitly include the Scarper Ridge property, effectively enlarging the park without altering other boundary descriptions or operational rules.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The National Park Service (NPS), which manages the GGNRA, will gain administrative responsibility for the new land, potentially requiring minor updates to park operations, maintenance, and resource protection efforts.
- Citizens: Local communities and park visitors may benefit from expanded access to natural areas for hiking, wildlife viewing, and education, increasing recreational opportunities in the San Francisco Bay region. Property owners in the area could face restrictions on private development due to federal protections.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as this is a domestic land management adjustment with no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Park Service: Primary manager of the expanded park, responsible for enforcement of protections and public use.
- Local Residents and Communities: Those near Scarper Ridge, including in Marin County, California, who may experience changes in land use or access.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Organizations advocating for park expansions, such as the National Parks Conservation Association, which could support enhanced biodiversity and habitat preservation.
- General Public: Park users nationwide who visit the GGNRA for recreation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This is a straightforward statutory amendment using a common congressional tool for boundary adjustments in national parks; it relies on the map as a legal reference for the exact area, ensuring precise implementation without ambiguity.
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it falls under Congress's authority (Article IV, Section 3) to manage federal lands and dispose of property.
- Political: Represents bipartisan interest in preserving iconic public lands like the GGNRA; the Senate passage in 2026 suggests minimal controversy, focusing on conservation rather than divisive topics. It could set a precedent for future small-scale park expansions through similar map-based amendments.
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
- 2026-03-27: Held at the desk.
- 2026-03-27: Received in the House.
- 2026-03-27: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-03-25: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1605; text: CR S1605)
- 2026-03-25: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-25: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-25: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-03-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1873-1874)
- 2025-03-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (4 pages)
- Scarper Ridge Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act — issued 2025-03-26 — PDF (2 pages)