To remove the limitation imposed as a result of receiving funding under the Land and Water Conservation Fund on the conversion of Northeast Sedgwick County Park in Sedgwick County, Kansas, to a use other than public outdoor recreation.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 26, 2025
Bottom line
H.R. 5036 provides a specific exemption for a Kansas park from federal land use restrictions tied to past conservation funding, enabling its conversion to non-recreational purposes without requiring replacement land.
What it actually does
This bill exempts Northeast Sedgwick County Park in Kansas from a federal requirement under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) that mandates land acquired or developed with LWCF grants be maintained for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity. This exemption would allow Sedgwick County to convert the park to a different use without needing to provide replacement parkland or seek federal approval under the specific statutory provision that typically governs such conversions.
Proponents argue
Supporters of this bill argue that it provides necessary flexibility for local governments to manage land resources in response to evolving community needs, especially when the original recreational purpose may no longer be the highest and best use for a specific parcel. They might contend that local control over land use decisions, even for federally funded projects, is paramount, and that the county has identified a more beneficial alternative use for the site.
Opponents contend
Opponents would argue that such exemptions undermine the core purpose of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which is to preserve public outdoor recreation spaces. They might contend that allowing conversions without replacement land sets a dangerous precedent, eroding the public trust in federal conservation investments and potentially leading to a net loss of recreational areas across the country.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for public review.
Section 1
Exemption for Northeast Sedgwick County Park from LWCF Conversion Rules
This section explicitly states that a specific federal rule (54 U.S.C. 200305(f)(3)) will not apply to Northeast Sedgwick County Park in Sedgwick County, Kansas. This rule typically requires that land acquired or developed with federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants must remain in public outdoor recreational use, or if converted, must be replaced with land of equal value and utility. By making this rule non-applicable, the bill allows Sedgwick County to convert the park to a non-recreational use without needing to meet the usual replacement requirements.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision grants essential local control, allowing Sedgwick County to repurpose land that may no longer serve its original recreational purpose optimally, potentially for economic development or other community needs. They might emphasize that local officials are best positioned to determine the highest and best use for local assets.
Critics contend
Critics contend this provision undermines the long-term commitment to preserving public green spaces, setting a precedent that could weaken the Land and Water Conservation Fund's effectiveness nationwide. They argue that the public's investment in recreational land should be protected, and if a park is converted, it should be replaced to ensure no net loss of recreational opportunities.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances local government flexibility in land use against the federal interest in preserving public outdoor recreation spaces funded by the LWCF. It creates a tension between immediate local development opportunities and the long-term national goal of maintaining a robust network of public parks and recreational areas.
The bill references 'Section 200305(f)(3) of title 54, United States Code,' which is the specific statutory provision governing the conversion of outdoor recreation areas funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This section generally requires that if such land is converted to a non-recreational use, replacement land of equal value and utility must be provided.
Section 1
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for making specific changes to existing law by referencing the relevant code section. It is not necessarily evasive, but it does require external knowledge to interpret.
Case for: Supporters would argue that referencing the specific code section is the most precise and legally sound way to amend or create an exception to existing law, ensuring clarity for legal interpretation and implementation.
Case against: Critics might argue that relying solely on statutory citations without a brief explanatory note in the bill text makes legislation less accessible to the general public, requiring specialized legal research to understand its full impact.
Estimated impact: The impact is the potential conversion of Northeast Sedgwick County Park without the usual federal replacement requirements. The specific acreage or value of the park is not stated in the bill.