NEWS: Sen. Schiff’s Bill to Designate National Scenic Trail Advances Unanimously from Senate Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources unanimously advanced U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)’s legislation to help designate the 550+ mile Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail. This designation would enhance the trail’s visibility as a world-class recreation opportunity and attract new visitors, in addition to helping connect the different routes within the trail. “The Bay Area Ridge Trail gives visitors to the Bay Area and its residents the opportunity to enjoy more than 500 miles of some of California’s most incredible outdoor beauty, including parks and preserves. Providing federal recognition to this ridgeline trail will help preserve it for future generations, and I’m proud to see colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – support this effort,” said Senator Schiff. The legislation requires the National Park Service to complete the required feasibility study in consultation with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and relevant federal, state, and tribal agencies. The trail meets all the required criteria established in the National Trails System Act of 1968 for National Scenic Trail designation, including: Extended trail route of more than 100 miles Provides maximum outdoor recreation potential Provides for enjoyment of nationally significant scenic, historic, and cultural qualities Represents desert, marsh, grassland, mountain, canyon, river, and forest Represents landforms that exhibit significant regional geographic characteristics Connects with side trails, which provide additional public access The legislation is led by U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) in the U.S. House of Representatives and is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and every member of the Bay Area delegation. The full text of the legislation is available here. ###