Bill · H.R. 3487· House(119-HR-3487)
Shawnee TRAILS Act
- Introduced
- 5/19/2025
- Last activity
- 5/19/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Bost
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Shawnee TRAILS Act,'' aims to change how the Shawnee National Forest is used. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to designate and maintain at least 20 percent of the total trails for use by covered vehicles. Covered vehicles include electric bicycles, off-highway vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road vehicles. The Secretary is also tasked with managing these trails to minimize impacts on natural resources. Additionally, the bill prevents the Secretary from prohibiting covered vehicles on paved roads within the forest.
Yes
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
The bill increases recreational access to outdoor trails within the Shawnee National Forest.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+3
The bill provides specific mandates for managing and maintaining trails for recreational vehicle use.
Does this give the federal government more power?+1
It expands the federal government's mandate regarding land use in the Shawnee National Forest.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-3
The mandate for high-use vehicle trails may increase the risk of adverse impacts on natural resources.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased access for recreational use: The Secretary must designate at least 20 percent of total trails for covered vehicles, which includes electric bicycles and off-highway vehicles (Section 2(a)).
-
Guaranteed availability of trails: The Secretary is required to ensure that at least one trail remains open at all times for the use of covered vehicles (Section 2(b)(3)).
-
Freedom of movement on paved roads: The Secretary is prohibited from stopping the use of covered vehicles on paved roads within the Shawnee National Forest (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential impact on nature: The Secretary is tasked with monitoring trails to minimize adverse impacts to natural resources, implying that trail riding could have a negative effect on the environment (Section 2(b)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Land Management+3Improves Environmental Protections-3
- 5/19/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Introduced in House