4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in PLACED ON CALENDAR SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jun 2, 2026)

Technical and procedural updates only. v4 reflects the bill's receipt in the Senate, its placement on the calendar, and includes the name of the House Clerk, following its passage in the House as seen in v3. There are no substantive changes to the bill's text or policy.

H.R. 2768119th CongressIntroduced Apr 9, 2025

Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Jun 3, 2026

Bottom line

This bill initiates a formal study process to evaluate the potential inclusion of the Benton MacKaye Trail into the National Trails System.

What it actually does

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study on designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail. The study must be completed within two years of the bill's enactment, with findings submitted to Congress. It amends the National Trails System Act to include the Benton MacKaye Trail in the list of trails to be studied for potential designation.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this study is a crucial first step to recognize and protect a significant scenic trail, potentially boosting local economies through tourism and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities. It ensures a thorough evaluation before any designation, providing a data-driven approach to conservation.

Opponents contend

Opponents might argue that conducting such studies incurs administrative costs without a guaranteed outcome, potentially diverting resources from other pressing conservation or park management needs. Some might also express concerns about potential federal overreach or land use restrictions if the trail were eventually designated.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a complete understanding in less than a minute, making it highly accessible to any reader.

Section 2, amending Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c))

Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Mandate

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study within two years to determine if the Benton MacKaye Trail, a 287-mile nonmotorized trail across Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, should be designated as a national scenic trail. The Secretary must consult with interested organizations, including the Benton MacKaye Trail Association, and submit the findings to Congress. This formalizes the process for evaluating the trail's suitability for national recognition.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupU.S. Department of Agriculture (Secretary of Agriculture)ImpactMandated to conduct a feasibility study and report its findings to Congress.MechanismStatutory directive.ScaleAdministrative task, requiring allocation of existing agency resources for the study.

GroupBenton MacKaye Trail Association and other interested organizationsImpactWill be consulted during the study, providing input, expertise, and local knowledge.MechanismExplicit consultation requirement.ScaleDirect involvement in a federal study, influencing its scope and findings.

GroupHikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and local communities along the trail in Georgia, Tennessee, and North CarolinaImpactPotential future benefits from enhanced trail recognition, maintenance, and tourism if the study leads to designation.MechanismIndirect impact through the study leading to potential future federal support and promotion.ScaleLong-term, potentially significant impact on recreation and local economies.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this study is a necessary and prudent step to assess the value and feasibility of protecting and promoting the Benton MacKaye Trail, recognizing its scenic and recreational importance. It provides a structured process for evaluating such designations, ensuring due diligence.

Critics contend

Critics might contend that initiating feasibility studies for every potential trail designation could lead to an accumulation of unfunded mandates or studies that do not result in actual designations, consuming agency resources without clear benefit.

Tradeoffs

The primary tradeoff is the allocation of federal resources (time, personnel, budget) to conduct this study versus other priorities. While the study itself is low-impact, it sets the stage for potential future federal involvement and funding if the trail is designated, which could have broader implications for land use and resource management.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.