Bill Summary
The "Shawnee Trail Riders Attaining Individuals Liberties Act" (Shawnee TRAILS Act) mandates that at least 20% of trails in the Shawnee National Forest be designated and maintained for recreational use by specific vehicles, such as electric bicycles and off-highway vehicles (OHVs). The Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for this designation and must ensure the trails are appropriately managed to provide recreational opportunities while minimizing environmental impacts. Additionally, at least one trail must always remain open for such vehicle use, and the use of covered vehicles on paved roads within the forest cannot be prohibited. This legislation aims to enhance recreational access for trail riders while balancing conservation efforts.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Shawnee Trail Riders Attaining Individuals Liberties Act" (Shawnee TRAILS Act) could affect people:
1. **Increased Recreational Opportunities**: The designation of at least 20 percent of trails in the Shawnee National Forest for trail riding by covered vehicles, such as electric bicycles and off-highway vehicles, would create more recreational opportunities for individuals and families who enjoy these activities. This could lead to increased visitor numbers to the forest, promoting outdoor recreation and potentially benefiting local businesses that cater to tourists.
2. **Environmental Management Considerations**: The requirement for the Secretary of Agriculture to manage and monitor the designated trails to minimize adverse impacts on natural resources may affect local ecosystems and conservation efforts. This could lead to enhanced environmental protections and sustainable use of the area, which might benefit local residents who are concerned about conservation and the health of the forest.
3. **Access and Mobility for Individuals with Disabilities**: By allowing covered vehicles, such as electric bicycles and ATVs, to use the designated trails, the Act could improve access for individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities who may not be able to navigate traditional hiking trails. This inclusion could promote greater equity in outdoor recreation, allowing a broader range of individuals to experience and enjoy the natural beauty of the Shawnee National Forest.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3487 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3487
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to designate and maintain at
least 20 percent of the total number of trails in the Shawnee National
Forest for trail riding by covered vehicles, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 19, 2025
Mr. Bost introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to designate and maintain at
least 20 percent of the total number of trails in the Shawnee National
Forest for trail riding by covered vehicles, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Shawnee Trail Riders Attaining
Individuals Liberties Act'' or the ``Shawnee TRAILS Act''.
SEC. 2. TRAIL RIDING IN SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall designate and maintain at
least 20 percent of the total number of trails in the Shawnee National
Forest for recreational use by covered vehicles, including trail
riding.
(b) Managing and Monitoring.--The Secretary shall manage and
monitor the trails required to be designated and maintained under
subsection (a) to assess whether such trails are appropriately
maintained--
(1) to provide for recreational use, including trail
riding;
(2) to minimize any adverse impacts to natural resources;
and
(3) to ensure that at least one trail remains open at all
times for the recreational use, including trail riding, of
covered vehicles.
(c) Paved Roads.--The Secretary may not prohibit the use of covered
vehicles on paved roads within the Shawnee National Forest.
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(2) Covered vehicles.--The term ``covered vehicles''
means--
(A) electric bicycles (e-bikes); and
(B) off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including all-
terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-road vehicles (ORVs).
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