    [Senate Hearing 118-284]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                            S. Hrg. 118-284

                              PENDING LEGISLATION

    =======================================================================

                                    HEARING

                                   BEFORE THE

                                SUBCOMMITTEE ON
                                 NATIONAL PARKS

                                     OF THE

                                  COMMITTEE ON
                          ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
                              UNITED STATES SENATE

                        ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                                       on

    S. 284                               S. 608
    S. 351                               S. 886
    S. 384                               S. 924
    S. 432                               S. 961
    S. 507                               S. 1059
    S. 527                               S. 1097
    S. 562                               S. 1277
    S. 594                               S. 2018

                                   __________

                                 JUNE 21, 2023

                                   __________

    [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                           Printed for the use of the
                   Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

            Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.govinfo.gov

                                  __________

                       U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
    55-558                     WASHINGTON : 2025

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                   COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

                    JOE MANCHIN III, West Virginia, Chairman
    RON WYDEN, Oregon                    JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming
    MARIA CANTWELL, Washington           JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho
    BERNARD SANDERS, Vermont             MIKE LEE, Utah
    MARTIN HEINRICH, New Mexico          STEVE DAINES, Montana
    MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii              LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska
    ANGUS S. KING, JR., Maine            JOHN HOEVEN, North Dakota
    CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO, Nevada       BILL CASSIDY, Louisiana
    MARK KELLY, Arizona                  CINDY HYDE-SMITH, Mississippi
    JOHN W. HICKENLOOPER, Colorado       JOSH HAWLEY, Missouri
                                     ------

                         Subcommittee on National Parks

                           ANGUS S. KING, JR., Chair

    BERNARD SANDERS                      STEVE DAINES
    MARTIN HEINRICH                      MIKE LEE
    MAZIE K. HIRONO                      LISA MURKOWSKI
    MARK KELLY                           CINDY HYDE-SMITH

                          Renae Black, Staff Director
                          Sam E. Fowler, Chief Counsel
                         David Brooks, General Counsel
                 Richard M. Russell, Republican Staff Director
                  Justin J. Memmott, Republican Chief Counsel
            John Tanner, Republican Deputy Staff Director for Lands

                               C O N T E N T S

                                  ----------

                               OPENING STATEMENTS

                                                                       Page
    King, Jr., Hon. Angus S., Subcommittee Chairman and a U.S.
      Senator from Maine.............................................     1
    Daines, Hon. Steve, Subcommittee Ranking Member and a U.S.
      Senator from Montana...........................................     2
    Heinrich, Hon. Martin, a U.S. Senator from New Mexico............     5

                                    WITNESS

    Caldwell, Michael A., Associate Director, Park Planning,
      Facilities, and Lands, National Park Service, U.S. Department
      of the Interior................................................     6

              ALPHABETICAL LISTING AND APPENDIX MATERIAL SUBMITTED

    Ackerman, Karen:
        Article entitled ``Can Race Riot Site Become Part of the
          National Park Service? '' from the Illinois Times, August
          18, 2022...................................................   139
    African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, North Eastern Episcopal
      District:
        Letter for the Record........................................   110
    Alabama State Missionary Baptist Convention:
        Letter for the Record........................................   109
    American Baptist General Convention of Texas:
        Letter for the Record........................................    82
    American Whitewater:
        Letter for the Record........................................    42
    Amigos de Guadalupe Center for Justice and Empowerment:
        Letter for the Record........................................    74
    Apostolides, Nik:
        Letter for the Record........................................    45
    Backcountry Hunters & Anglers:
        Letter for the Record........................................    46
    Bauer, David C.L.:
        Article entitled ``President Invited to Visit Region to See
          Site of Deadly 1908 Race Riots'' from the Journal Courier,
          January 28, 2021...........................................   141
    Caldwell, Michael A.:
        Opening Statement............................................     6
        Written Testimony............................................     8
        Responses to Questions for the Record........................    40
    California Catholic Conference:
        Letter for the Record........................................    77
    California State Baptist Convention, Inc.:
        Letter for the Record........................................   112
    Christian Methodist Episcopal Church College of Bishops:
        Letter for the Record........................................   114
    Church of God in Christ, Inc.:
        Letter for the Record........................................    83
    Combs, Susan:
        Letter for the Record........................................    47
    Connecticut State Missionary Baptist Convention:
        Letter for the Record........................................   115
    Cortese, Dave:
        Letter for the Record........................................    78
    Daines, Hon. Steve:
        Opening Statement............................................     2
        Map depicting gap areas in the Continental Divide National
          Scenic Trail                                                    4
    Davis, Hon. Rodney et al.:
        Letter for the Record........................................    97
    Deerfield, MA Office of the Selectboard and Board of Health:
        Letter for the Record........................................   160
    Deerfield River Watershed Association:
        Letter for the Record........................................   157
    DoGood, Silence:
        Article entitled ``The 1908 Springfield Race Riots and the
          National Park Service'' from the Holland Sentinel, October
          4, 2022....................................................   146
    Duckworth, Hon. Tammy:
        Op-ed entitled ``President Biden, Make Site of the 1908
          Springfield Race Riots a National Monument'' from the State
          Journal-Register, December 13, 2022........................   135
        Press release entitled ``Duckworth, Durbin Re-Introduce Bill
          to Establish 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site as a National
          Monument'' dated February 8, 2021..........................   138
    Duckworth, Hon. Tammy and Hon. Richard J. Durbin:
        Letter for the Record dated January 14, 2021.................    96
        Letter for the Record dated September 21, 2022...............    48
    Duster, Michelle:
        Letter for the Record........................................    50
    Emmanuel Temple Church of God in Christ:
        Letter for the Record........................................   116
    Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
        Letter for the Record........................................   117
    Florida Council of Churches:
        Letter for the Record........................................   118
    General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Inc.:
        Letter for the Record........................................   119
    Giddings, Paula J.:
        Letter for the Record........................................    51
    Green Chalice:
        Letter for the Record........................................   120
    GreenFaith:
        Letter for the Record........................................   121
    Haley, Teresa:
        Letter for the Record........................................   108
    Harjo, Joy:
        Letter for the Record........................................    52
    Heinrich, Hon. Martin:
        Opening Statement............................................     5
    Illinois NAACP State Conference:
        Letter for the Record........................................   106
    Jewish United Fund:
        Letter for the Record........................................    53
    Katz, Walter:
        Editorial entitled ``Making Site of 1908 Sprinfield Race Riot
          a Monument Would Honor Victims and Inspire Change'' from
          the Chicago Tribune, March 10, 2023........................    84
    Killmer, Richard:
        Article entitled ``The 1908 Springfield Race Riots and the
          National Park Service'' from the Holland Sentinel, October
          4, 2022....................................................   147
    King, Jr., Hon. Angus S.:
        Opening Statement............................................     1
    Latinos in Heritage Conservation:
        Letter for the Record........................................    79
    Lemay, Kate Clarke:
        Letter for the Record........................................    58
    Mahan, Matt:
        Letter for the Record........................................    81
    Masjid Muhammad, Inc.:
        Letter for the Record........................................   123
    Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation:
        Letter for the Record........................................    70
    Meltzer, Brad:
        Letter for the Record........................................    59
    Mid-West Episcopal District:
        Letter for the Record........................................   122
    Mikulski, Hon. Barbara:
        Letter for the Record........................................    60
    National Association for the Advancement of Colored People:
        Letter for the Record........................................   103
    National Black Presbyterian Caucus:
        Letter for the Record........................................   111
    National Parks Conservation Association:
        Statement for the Record.....................................    61
    National Park Service:
        1908 Springfield Race Riot Special Resource Study--Civic
          Engagement Summary, November 2022..........................   149
    National Religious Partnership for the Environment:
        Letter for the Record........................................   125
    North Carolina Council of Churches:
        Letter for the Record........................................   124
    Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention, Inc.:
        Letter for the Record........................................   127
    Pier, Gwen:
        Letter for the Record........................................    63
    Preston, Ashley Richardson:
        Letter for the Record........................................    64
    Progressive Missionary and Educational Baptist State Convention
      of Florida, Inc.:
        Letter for the Record........................................   128
    Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.:
        Letter for the Record........................................   129
    Richardson, Randi:
        Article entitled ``Illinois Senators Call for a Monument of a
          1908 Riot That Launched the NAACP'' from NBC News, January
          15, 2021...................................................   143
    Sierra Club:
        Statement for the Record.....................................    87
    Sign-on letter from 4,344 Black clergy leaders...................   131
    Sisters of Mercy of the Americas:
        Letter for the Record........................................   130
    Springfield Branch NAACP:
        Letter for the Record........................................   107
    Springfield, IL (City of):
        Ordinance signed on March 3, 2022, providing lands for the
          construction of a memorial regarding the 1908 race riots...    98
    Support packet for a Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument    89
    Texas State Missionary Baptist Convention, Inc.:
        Letter for the Record........................................   132
    Trout Unlimited--Connecticut River Valley Chapter:
        Letter for the Record........................................   162
    United Baptist Missionary Convention:
        Letter for the Record........................................   133
    U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service:
        Statement for the Record.....................................    65
    U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management:
        Statement for the Record.....................................    68
    Weiss, Elaine:
        Letter for the Record........................................    71
    Windham Regional Commission:
        Letter for the Record........................................    72
    Wisconsin General Baptist State Convention:
        Letter for the Record........................................   134
    Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation:
        Letter for the Record........................................    54

    ----------
    The text for each of the bills addressed in this hearing can be found
    on the Committee's website at: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/
    2023/6/subcommittee-hearing-to-receive-testimony-on-legislation

                              PENDING LEGISLATION

                                  ----------

                            WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023

                                   U.S. Senate,
                        Subcommittee on National Parks,
                     Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The Subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:35 a.m. in
    Room SD-366, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Angus S.
    King, Jr., Chair of the Subcommittee, presiding.

             OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. ANGUS S. KING, JR.,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM MAINE

        Senator King. Good morning and welcome to the first
    legislative hearing of the National Parks Subcommittee for the
    118th Congress. This hearing is part of the regular legislative
    order, and by having this hearing, we can get the
    Administration's and any other interested parties' positions on
    the record. This will assist us as the Committee determines
    which proposals will proceed to a full-committee markup and
    eventually make their way to the Senate floor.
        While our only witness here today is from the Department of
    the Interior, I want to note that we have received statements
    from the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service on
    the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act, which involves
    land they manage.
        Additionally, I want to note that the Subcommittee will
    leave the record open on all bills considered here today,
    allowing those who wish to submit statements of support or
    opposition on any of the bills on today's agenda, and we will
    send that along to be included in the official record, which
    will help the full Committee's consideration.
        I will specifically mention that the Committee has received
    a letter from our former colleague, Senator Mikulski, who you
    ignore at your own peril----
        [Laughter.]
        Senator King [continuing]. In support of the Women's
    Suffrage National Monument Location Act.
        I also want to acknowledge Teresa Haley, the President of
    the Springfield Branch of the NAACP, who is in attendance
    today, who submitted testimony to the Committee and has been
    one of the driving forces behind S. 384, designating a national
    monument to protect the site of the 1908 Springfield Race
    Riots.
        In addition to the bills I just mentioned, we will also
    hear testimony on a total of 16 bills. Some of these bills are
    focused on local issues, including studying rivers for
    potential inclusion in the Wild and Scenic River System, and
    boundary adjustments and redesignations for existing park
    units, including adding 6,000 acres to Big Bend National Park,
    one of my favorite places in this country.
        We will also hear about the Connect our Parks Act, which
    Ranking Member Barrasso and I introduced last week. This
    legislation would direct each national park to assess where
    broadband service is needed and develop plans to increase
    service access for public safety. America's National Parks
    provide great opportunities to enjoy nature, and I want to be
    clear, we are not proposing wiring up our parks' backcountry.
    Rather, this proposal directs an assessment of housing,
    administrative facilities, and related structures where
    broadband is needed in areas where cellular service would
    increase the public's access to emergency services and would
    increase the communications capabilities of park rangers. All
    this would need to be done in a way that would cause minimal
    disruption to viewsheds, land, and wildlife. The Connect our
    Parks Act is a common-sense and balanced effort to improve
    access to emergency services, assist park rangers in responding
    to crises, and expand growing digital services, like park
    navigation. I look forward to our continued efforts to improve
    Maine's and America's great outdoors.
        I am also interested in learning more about the Park
    Service's concern about allowing the previously authorized
    women's suffrage monument to be placed on the Reserve area of
    the National Mall. In the 2003 amendments to the Commemorative
    Works Act, Congress declared that the Reserve area of the Mall
    is a substantially completed work of civic art. Last Congress,
    despite the Park Service concerns, we advanced legislation to
    place the Global War on Terror Memorial on the Reserve. Twenty
    years after the passage of this provision, it may now be
    appropriate to carefully review the policy so that we can get
    to the root of the issue without having to discuss the merits
    of specific monuments simultaneously. This will help us to
    avoid having the same philosophical discussion about the
    Commemorative Works Act each time we have a new proposal to put
    a memorial on the Reserve.
        Now I will turn to Vice Chair Daines for his opening
    statement, then, to any member of the Committee who wishes to
    speak about their legislation. Then, we will turn to our
    witness, Mr. Caldwell, for his opening statement.

                OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. STEVE DAINES,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM MONTANA

        Senator Daines. Chairman King, thank you.
        Today's legislative hearing focuses on 16 bills. Many of
    these bills make modifications to existing parks or monuments,
    including Senator Tillis in Senate bill 351, to designate six
    different unnamed creeks in North Carolina in honor of those
    that tragically died in a small plane crash in February 2022;
    Senator Cornyn's Senate bill 1059 to expand Big Bend National
    Park; Senator McConnell's bill, S. 1277, to expand Mammoth Cave
    National Park; and Senator Blackburn's and Baldwin's Senate
    bill 886, to authorize the women's suffrage monument to be
    constructed in the National Mall. You know, Montana played a
    leading role in the women's suffrage movement. We are proud of
    the fact we elected the first woman to ever serve in Congress.
    She was serving in Congress before women had the right to vote.
    It is an amazing story. And I remind my colleagues here on this
    side of the United States, it was Wyoming that led the nation
    in women's suffrage. It was these western states that were out
    in front years ago. I look forward to hearing testimony on
    these bills and working with my colleagues to get them across
    the finish line.
        At today's hearing we also have the opportunity to hear
    testimony on my bipartisan bill, Senate bill 594, the
    Continental Divide Trail Completion Act. This bill requires the
    Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to prioritize
    completion of the trail before 2028, the 50th anniversary of
    the trail's designation. The Continental Divide Trail spans
    over 3,000 miles, from the northern border of Montana to the
    southern border of New Mexico. In Montana, the trail starts at
    Glacier National Park and runs nearly a thousand miles south
    along the Montana-Idaho border to end in Yellowstone National
    Park. However, there are numerous gaps in Montana and along the
    trail that require hikers to track along highways and busy
    roads.
        Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask unanimous consent to
    enter into the record a map that details these gaps.
        Senator King. Without objection.
        [The Continental Divide Trail map follows:]

    [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        Senator Daines. Finishing the trail will benefit
    communities throughout Montana, especially the gateway
    communities of Lincoln, Helena, Butte, and Anaconda. Outdoor
    recreation in Montana is nearly a $3 billion economy, supplying
    over 27,000 jobs. Completing the trail will help bring more
    tourism through our communities and boost local economies--and
    some of these economies I mentioned badly need a boost. And in
    Montana, hiking, fishing, and being outdoors with your family
    isn't just about jobs, it's a part of our heritage, it's our
    way of life in Montana. But with that comes a deep respect for
    private property rights, which is why the bill strictly
    prohibits the use of eminent domain, ensuring that private
    property rights are protected as we expand public access. The
    bill has strong support from local communities, recreation
    groups, and more, including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation
    Partnership, Montana Conservation Corps, the City and County of
    Butte-Silver Bow, the Helena Chamber of Commerce, Glacier
    County Regional Tourism, Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce,
    the Anaconda Trail Society, and many more local as well as
    national groups.
        Mr. Chairman, I look forward to hearing from our witness
    today and I hope that we can pass this bill quickly out of
    Committee and get it to the Senate floor.
        And with that, Mr. Chairman, I turn it back to you and look
    forward to a robust discussion and testimony from our witness.
        Senator King. Senator Heinrich.

              OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARTIN HEINRICH,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW MEXICO

        Senator Heinrich. Thank you, Chairman and Ranking Member
    Daines, and thank you for holding this hearing and for
    including S. 594, as Ranking Member Daines mentioned, the
    Continental Divide Trail Completion Act. I introduced this
    legislation with our Ranking Member to improve the safety,
    accessibility, and quality of this national scenic trail that
    connects Americans to amazing landscapes across five western
    states.
        Ranking Member Daines and I disagree on which end is the
    beginning and which end is the end, but we left that strictly
    out of the bill today.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Heinrich. The Continental Divide National Scenic
    Trail reaches from Mexico to Canada and from the deserts of
    southern New Mexico to the peaks of the northern Rockies. Along
    its 3,000- mile route, the trail passes through some of the
    most scenic terrain in the nation, including important natural,
    historical, and cultural sites. Access to the CDT provides
    opportunities for both recreation and economic development to
    20 official gateway communities and to numerous others located
    along its expansive route. Today, over 160 miles of the trail
    require hikers to reroute onto roadways and even highways. In
    addition to these gaps, another 600 miles of the trail route
    don't fully meet the designated purposes of the trail because
    of their distance from the divide itself, their scenic quality,
    or topography. Improving the trail route by closing gaps and
    making needed relocations will significantly improve trail
    safety and enjoyment for visitors, enhancing the trail's
    ability to support recreation and conservation along the
    Continental Divide.
        S. 594 would create a joint Forest Service and Bureau of
    Land Management trail completion team to facilitate the
    completion of the CDT by its 50th anniversary, which is coming
    up in 2028. The bill directs the federal completion team to
    collaborate closely with states, local governments, landowners,
    tribal communities, and others who live, work, and recreate
    along the trail. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
    is an invaluable part of the National Scenic Trail system and
    of our nationwide network of public lands, parks, and trails.
    In passing this legislation, we can ensure that the natural,
    cultural, and economic value of this incomparable trail will be
    conserved for generations to come.
        Thank you again to both the Chair and Ranking Member for
    your consideration of this legislation, and I will yield back
    the rest of my time.
        Senator King. Thank you, Senator. I take it that this
    trail, this Continental Divide Trail, is for those people that,
    for whatever reason, can't get to the Appalachian Trail? Is
    that----
        [Laughter.]
        Senator King. It begins in Maine.
        Senator Heinrich. If you have done the Appalachian Trail
    and you desire something a little more challenging----
        Senator King. I see.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Heinrich. Then you can graduate to the CDT.
        Senator King. I will introduce you to the 100-Mile
    Wilderness at some point.
        Our witness is Michael Caldwell, who is the Associate
    Director of Park Planning, Facilities, and Lands at the
    National Park Service. Mr. Caldwell is no stranger to this
    Committee.
        Mr. Caldwell, welcome, and we look forward to your
    testimony.

      STATEMENT OF MICHAEL A. CALDWELL, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, PARK
     PLANNING, FACILITIES, AND LANDS, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, U.S.
                       DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

        Mr. Caldwell. Thank you.
        Chairman King, Ranking Member Daines, and members of the
    Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to present the
    Department of the Interior's views on 15 of the bills on
    today's agenda. I would like to submit our full statements on
    these bills for the record and summarize the Department's
    views.
        Senator King. Without objection.
        Mr. Caldwell. I would also like to submit the Department's
    statement for the record on an additional bill, S. 594,
    requiring the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to
    prioritize the completion of the Continental Divide National
    Scenic Trail. We ask that any questions on that bill be
    referred to the Bureau of Land Management.
        The Department strongly supports S. 384, establishing the
    Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument, and supports the
    following eight bills: S. 432, authorizing a wild and scenic
    river study of sections of the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream;
    S. 507, establishing the Ralph David Abernathy, Sr. National
    Historic Site; S. 608, authorizing a wild and scenic river
    study of the Deerfield River; S. 924, authorizing a 10-year
    extension of the C&O Canal National Historical Park Advisory
    Commission; S. 961, redesignating the Salem Maritime National
    Historic Site as a National Historical Park and authorizing a
    boundary study; S. 1059, adjusting the boundary of Big Bend
    National Park; S. 1097, establishing the Cesar E. Chavez and
    the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park; and S. 1277,
    modifying the boundary of Mammoth Cave National Park. The
    reasons for our support of these bills are explained in our
    full statements. For many of the bills, we are requesting
    amendments, and we would be happy to work with the Committee on
    drafting them.
        The Department supports the goal of S. 2018, directing the
    preparation of an assessment and plan for addressing internet
    and cellular service needs in national parks. We would
    appreciate having more time to evaluate the bill.
        Regarding S. 562, establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie
    Till-Mobley and Roberts Temple National Historic Site, the
    Department strongly supports the bill's efforts to increase
    public understanding of the momentous impact that Emmett Till's
    funeral had on our nation's awareness of the injustices
    suffered by African Americans. Congress could also consider
    authorizing a special resource study of the site. We recommend
    amendments if the Committee moves ahead with this bill.
        The Department does not support--or does not support as
    introduced--the following three bills: S. 284, directing the
    Secretary of the Interior to include the name of Vincent
    Illuzzi, Sr. on the Taras Shevchenko Memorial; S. 527,
    establishing the African Burial Ground International Memorial
    Museum and Educational Center--if the Committee moves forward
    with this bill, we recommend that it be amended to instead
    provide for a feasibility study of the facility; and S. 886,
    authorizing the Women's Suffrage National Monument to be
    located on the National Mall. We strongly support locating the
    monument in a place of honor and prominence, but not in the
    Reserve. The Department has worked to protect the Reserve by
    discouraging the establishment of any new commemorative works
    within it.
        Finally, regarding S. 351, designating six creeks in or
    close to Cape Lookout National Seashore in honor of six
    individuals who lost their lives in a plane crash, the
    Department has concerns about the appropriateness of
    memorializing victims of accidents by naming geographic
    features for them and the precedent that might set.
        Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement, and I would be
    pleased to answer any questions you may have.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Caldwell follows:]

    [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

        Senator King. I appreciate that testimony, Mr. Caldwell,
    and the provisions that you mentioned in terms of further
    testimony being filed for the record, that will take place.
    That is done without objection.
         On the connectivity bill that Senator Barrasso and I have
    recently introduced, I think I heard you to say that you
    understand the concept and look forward to working with us. So
    my request is, because we are trying to move forward with these
    bills, is that that process be undertaken promptly.
        Mr. Caldwell. Yes, sir.
        Senator King. So that we can determine the best way to
    proceed because we are really talking about public safety in
    this case. And so we look forward to working with the Park
    Service on that.
        Mr. Caldwell. Yes, we look forward to working with the
    Committee on that.
        Senator King. And do you have any thoughts on the question
    of sort of reexamining the Reserve limitation, because we
    seem--we are going to have more and more of these cases that
    are ad hoc. And it seems to me it would be useful for us, for
    the Committee, to have a broader consideration of these issues.
    Do you concur?
        Mr. Caldwell. Yes, I concur. I think the Department and the
    Park Service would welcome an opportunity to work with the
    Committee and look at those issues that you addressed in your
    opening statement.
        Senator King. And to be clear, it's your position--you are
    in favor of the suffragist memorial. It's a question of where
    it's located on the Mall, is that correct?
        Mr. Caldwell. Yes, we fully support the intent of the
    memorial. Our concern is the location in the Reserve.
        Senator King. Thank you.
        Senator Daines.
        Senator Daines. Mr. Caldwell, I have a couple of questions
    on the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act. And I want to
    thank my colleague from New Mexico, Senator Heinrich, for being
    such a great partner, leading here, as we are kind of the Alpha
    and Omega here on this trail--the beginning and the end. Well,
    we continue to debate which is the beginning, but let's just
    say we both agree we need to get it done.
        This trail will help increase recreation in Montana.
    Completing it improves safety and support for our gateway
    communities. It's my understanding that the Forest Service is
    the lead agency for the trail. The Department of the Interior
    and the Park Service do play critical roles though in managing
    the trail. Do you agree that it is important that we work
    together to find solutions for the gaps that remain in places
    like Montana and other states?
        Mr. Caldwell. Well, I think, certainly based on the Park
    Service experience, whether it's that trail or the less
    challenging Appalachian Trail from Senator Heinrich, working
    with communities and partners across the trail is----
        Senator Heinrich. It was a friendly jab----
        Mr. Caldwell. Okay, I got it. Yes, it is fundamental----
        Senator Heinrich. We both need to do some homework in each
    other's states.
        Senator Daines. Let the record show though, I support
    Senator Heinrich in his comments.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Caldwell. It is fundamental to the successful
    administration of a trail. And I think, specific to the bill,
    obviously, our statement said that the BLM has taken the
    Department's lead, but I think your assessment, Senator, of
    what makes it successful is spot-on.
        Senator Daines. This trail goes through numerous national
    parks: Glacier Park, Yellowstone, the Rocky Mountain National
    Park. Does the Park Service have any stats on the economic
    impact of the trail on gateway communities in states like
    Montana?
        Mr. Caldwell. I think, in terms of specific to the trail, I
    would have to get back to you and the Committee on that
    question.
        As you know, though, the economic impact of National Park
    Service units in the State of Montana in 2021 was almost $730
    million of economic impact. So in terms of the specifics,
    though, we can find out and get back to the Committee on that.
        Senator Daines. Mr. Caldwell, thank you.
        Mr. Chairman, I have no more questions.
        Senator King. Questions or comments, Senator Heinrich?
        Senator Heinrich. I will direct most of my questions in
    writing to the BLM.
        But I will have one quick question for you, Mr. Caldwell.
    As I mentioned in my statement, the CDT, as it currently
    stands, has a number of gaps in its route, totaling about 160
    miles that don't have completed trail. Do you have any thoughts
    on how closing these gaps will allow the trail to better
    support the mission of National Park System units like El
    Malpais in New Mexico or Glacier in Montana?
        Mr. Caldwell. I think, certainly, any effort, and as you
    have described, a multi-agency effort to close those gaps is
    hugely important for the National Park Service. Having our
    visitors be able to find signage and trails and where they can
    get services is critically important for us. So we would
    certainly support any efforts that do that.
        Senator Heinrich. That's all. Chairman.
        Senator King. Mr. Caldwell, thank you very much for your
    testimony.
        For those in attendance at the hearing, this is the first
    step of the legislative process, a hearing on the bills, and
    the record of this Subcommittee will remain open for two weeks
    from today for comments, suggestions, and support or opposition
    to any of the bills that have been listed on the Committee's
    agenda for the day.
        At that point, hopefully, the next step for us will be what
    is called a markup of the bills where we actually meet in
    committee and decide about amendments and changes and which
    bills should be sent on to the full committee, in which case
    there will be another markup, and then, hopefully to the floor
    of the U.S. Senate.
        So thank you for your attendance today.
        Mr. Caldwell, thank you very much for your testimony.
        This hearing is adjourned.
        [Whereupon, at 10:56 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

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