Sponsors (12)
This bill advances planning for a 550-mile National Scenic Trail that would expand recreation, conservation coordination, education, and local tourism, but it also raises likely costs for local and state governments and risks to sensitive resources and local land-use choices unless funding, protections, and careful planning accompany designation.
Residents, visitors, hikers, and cyclists across urban and rural communities gain coordinated planning and a feasibility study toward a 550-mile nonmotorized National Scenic Trail, improving access to outdoor recreation and opportunities for physical activity.
Local, state, and federal park systems and communities receive federal recognition and planning support that can improve coordination of land management, protect scenic/historic resources, and enhance tourism and local quality of life.
Communities and local governments may attract federal and private funding for trail construction, maintenance, and trailside amenities, which can boost local tourism and economic activity.
Local and state governments (and potentially federal agencies) may incur additional planning, matching, maintenance, and management costs for the trail that could fall on local taxpayers if federal funding is limited.
Increased public access and visitation could put pressure on sensitive habitats and cultural sites, risking degradation of natural and historic resources without additional protections and management.
Pursuing designation could lead to future federal land‑use rules or restrictions that limit some local land uses or development near the trail, affecting homeowners and local planning decisions.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced January 27, 2026 by Jared Huffman · Last progress January 27, 2026
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete a feasibility study, within one year of enactment, to evaluate designating the roughly 550-mile Bay Area ridgeline route as a National Scenic Trail. The study must be done in consultation with relevant Federal and State land managers and interested organizations. The bill defines the route as a multi-use trail linking more than 75 parks and open spaces around the San Francisco Bay Area, summarizes congressional findings about the trail's scenic and recreational value, and sets a one-year deadline for the Secretary to submit the feasibility study report to Congress.