Summary#
This bill would add the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to the list of trails the Secretary of the Interior must study for possible designation under the National Trails System Act. The trail is described as about 280 miles long, running from the Idaho–Utah border to Nephi, Utah, along the bench left by historic Lake Bonneville. The broad goal is to evaluate whether the trail should receive national recognition and protection.
- Main change: directs the Interior Department to study the feasibility of designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for possible inclusion in the National Trails System.
- Trail described: roughly 280 miles, along the Bonneville bench from the Idaho–Utah border to Nephi, Utah.
- Immediate effect: requires a federal feasibility study only; it does not itself change land ownership or create a new federal trail.
- Possible longer-term effect: a favorable study could lead to future steps toward formal national designation, which may bring federal management, funding, or coordination.
What it means for you#
- Local residents and landowners: No immediate changes to property rights or land use. A study could lead to future proposals that might affect local land use, access, or land acquisition, but this bill does not itself do that.
- Hikers and outdoor users: Short term, nothing changes for trail access. Over time, a study could lead to national recognition and possibly improved signage, maintenance, or trail connections.
- Local governments and park agencies: May be asked to provide information or participate in the study. If the trail is later designated, they could take part in planning, receive federal funds, or face new coordination requirements.
- Tribes and other stakeholders: The bill does not specify consultation steps. The study process could include outreach, but the bill text does not make that clear.
- Federal agencies: The Department of the Interior must carry out the study. Other federal, state, or local agencies may be involved during the study or in follow-up actions.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
- The bill text does not include a cost estimate or set aside funding for the study.
- Conducting the study would create administrative costs for the Department of the Interior (staff time, data collection, travel, or contracting). The size of those costs is not specified.
- If the trail is later designated, that could lead to additional federal spending for management, maintenance, or land acquisition; the bill does not estimate those potential costs.
- Local governments or organizations might incur costs if asked to participate in the study or in later planning.
Proponents' View#
- The bill appears intended to diagnose whether the Bonneville Shoreline Trail should receive national recognition and coordinated federal support.
- Supporters may argue that a formal feasibility study would help coordinate planning across many jurisdictions and preserve an important recreational and natural corridor.
- A study could identify needs for trail improvements, safety, connectivity, and long-term protection, which could help guide future investment or designation decisions.
Opponents' View#
- One concern is the lack of a cost estimate: the bill does not say how much the study will cost or whether Congress will provide money for it.
- The bill does not clearly explain how the study will be carried out, who will be consulted, or what criteria will be used, leaving important details unclear.
- Some may worry a federal study could lead to pressure for federal control, land purchases, or restrictions that affect local landowners and local planning, though the bill itself does not change land rights.
- It is unclear whether the study would require or include consultation with Tribal governments or affected communities; the text does not specify this.