John Hansen: “H.R. 531 is a noncontroversial measure that would simply study the prospect of adding the Great Western Trail to the…”

“H.R. 531 is a noncontroversial measure that would simply study the prospect of adding the Great Western Trail to the National Trails System. The Great Western Trail extends from Mexico to Canada through the Rocky Mountain West and will take advantage of existing roads, trails, and corridors that enjoy nearly all types of recreational travel. The Great Western Trail is envisioned as truly a western trail. This corridor celebrates the heritage and spirit of the West and the many types of recreational travel people enjoy. Whether you prefer horseback, backpack, canoe, mountain bike, or four-wheel drive, the Great Western Trail will provide you access to the most scenic areas of the West. There was much discussion in our subcommittee hearing regarding possible conflicts with private property. This is exactly what this trail study is designed to accomplish. H.R. 531, with the amendment I offered in subcommittee, will specifically look at the current status of landownership and the estimated cost of any acquisition if necessary. We cannot know what those impacts will be until this study is completed. I can assure the Members that private property rights are of a highest concern to me and this study will simply let Congress know what the potential impacts will be, giving us sufficient information to decide at a later time whether or not to actually designate this trail.”