H.R. 3286: Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025, aims to modify the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. The key points of the bill are as follows:

Boundary Modification

The bill proposes an amendment to the existing boundary of Mammoth Cave National Park to allow for the acquisition of approximately 551.14 acres of land. This land, identified on a map titled “Mammoth Cave National Park Proposed Southern Boundary Expansion Edmonson and Barren Counties, Kentucky,” is intended to be added to the park. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to acquire this land and any associated interests.

Adjustment for Inflation

Additionally, the bill specifies that the financial threshold for certain transactions relating to the land acquisition shall be adjusted for inflation. Specifically, it updates a prior amount of $350,000 to reflect the current economic climate, based on the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Purpose of the Bill

The overall intent of the legislation is to enhance Mammoth Cave National Park by expanding its boundaries, potentially providing more space for conservation efforts, recreation, and public enjoyment. The land acquisition and boundary adjustment are part of broader efforts to maintain and improve the national park system.

Land Acquisition Authority

Under the terms of this bill, the Secretary of the Interior gains the necessary authority to proceed with the land acquisition process, which may include negotiations and transactions with current landowners to incorporate the specified area into Mammoth Cave National Park.

Impact on Park Management

By expanding the park's boundaries, the bill may also lead to improvements in park management, offering increased resources for wildlife habitat protection and visitor services.

Summary

In summary, the Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2025 proposes to expand the national park's boundaries by allowing for the acquisition of approximately 551.14 acres of land. It also mandates that certain financial thresholds be adjusted for inflation, facilitating the land acquisition process.