H.R.3487 - Shawnee Trail Riders Attaining Individuals Liberties Act; Shawnee TRAILS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3487, the Shawnee TRAILS Act, mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to designate and maintain at least 20% of trails in the Shawnee National Forest for recreational use by covered vehicles, including e-bikes and OHVs. The bill also addresses the management, monitoring, and maintenance of these trails to ensure recreational use while minimizing adverse impacts on natural resources. It also specifies that the Secretary cannot prohibit the use of covered vehicles on paved roads within the Shawnee National Forest.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would lead to increased accessibility for covered vehicles within the Shawnee National Forest. This could increase tourism and recreational opportunities for specific user groups. However, it could also lead to increased environmental impact and potential conflicts with other recreational users.
Potential Benefits
- Increased recreational opportunities for users of electric bicycles and off-highway vehicles.
- Potential boost to local tourism and related businesses in the vicinity of the Shawnee National Forest.
- Codified requirement for the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain trails for specific recreational uses.
- Ensures at least one trail remains open for covered vehicles at all times.
- Clarifies the permissibility of covered vehicle use on paved roads within the forest.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased environmental damage due to increased OHV use, including soil erosion and habitat disturbance.
- Possible conflicts between different user groups (e.g., hikers, equestrians, OHV users) sharing the same trails.
- Costs associated with maintaining and monitoring the designated trails.
- Potential strain on natural resources and increased noise pollution.
- May require additional resources for enforcement of regulations related to covered vehicle use.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to manage federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. However, the balance between recreational use and environmental protection may raise questions about the government's responsibility to preserve natural resources for future generations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).