Christopher Shays: “I rise candidly as the only Republican in all of New England to support H.R. 1528, the New England Scenic Trail…”

“I rise candidly as the only Republican in all of New England to support H.R. 1528, the New England Scenic Trail Designation Act, and thank Congressman Olver for bringing this legislation to the floor. H.R. 1528 would designate portions of the existing Metacomet- Monadnock-Mattabesett Trail System for a national and scenic trail. For over 50 years the States of Massachusetts and my home State of Connecticut have partnered with the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Connecticut Forest and Park Association to manage these beautiful trails and footpaths. Volunteers and private landowners have enjoyed these lands and maintained them. This legislation would not change that relationship. This bill also protects private landowners by prohibiting the National Park Service from taking any land by eminent domain. The park service has no authority on local zoning issues that might affect national scenic trails. H.R. 1528 provides the resources and knowledge of the National Park Service and the National Scenic Trail System for the long-term upkeep of this important trail and extends Federal recognition to trails that have existed for over half a century.”