S. 3720: Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act

This bill, titled the Bay Area Ridge National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act, aims to assess the possibility of designating the Bay Area Ridge Trail in California as a national scenic trail. Below are the key points regarding the contents and implications of the bill:

Purpose of the Bill

The main goal is to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether the Bay Area Ridge Trail can be officially recognized and designated as a national scenic trail.

Background Information

The Bay Area Ridge Trail is approximately 550 miles long, extending along the ridgelines of the hills and mountains surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area. Here are some details about the trail:

• It consists of approximately 415 miles that have been completed, with an additional 140 miles that are still not finished.
• The trail supports non-motorized, multi-use activities, which allows diverse types of outdoor recreation.
• It connects over 75 parks and open spaces, providing access to scenic views, including landmarks such as the Pacific Ocean and various parks.
• It traverses a variety of environments including marshes, grasslands, mountains, canyons, rivers, and forests.

Implementation of the Study

The bill stipulates that within one year of its enactment, the Secretary of the Interior must carry out the feasibility study. This study will:

• Evaluate the potential for the Bay Area Ridge Trail to be designated as a national scenic trail.
• Involve consultations with various federal and state agencies that manage the lands the trail crosses.
• Engage with interested organizations, specifically naming the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council as a key group in the consultation process.

Overall Implications

The outcome of the feasibility study may lead to enhanced federal recognition for the Bay Area Ridge Trail, which could potentially result in increased funding for trail maintenance, development, and promotion. Additionally, it may connect the trail more formally within the National Trails System, possibly encouraging more visitors and recreation opportunities in the area.

Relevant Companies

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