[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 2, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4181-S4182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. DOMENICI (for himself and Mr. Bingaman):
  S. 817. A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to designate 
the Old Spanish Trail as a National Historic Trail; to the Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I stand here before you today to 
introduce the designation of the Old Spanish Trail as a National 
Historic Trail. This legislation will amend the National Trails System 
Act and designate the Old Spanish Trail; which originates in Santa Fe, 
NM and continues to Los Angeles, CA as a National Historic Trail.
  The United Stats of America has a rich history of which, as citizens, 
we are very proud. Particularly in the west, citizens from all walks of 
life have deep rooted cultural and historic ties to land throughout the 
west. The Old Spanish Trail dates back to 1829. The Old Spanish Trail 
had a variety of uses, from trade caravans to military expeditions. For 
twenty plus years the Old Spanish Trail was used as a main route of 
travel between New Mexico and California.
  Today, more than one hundred and fifty years after the first caravan 
on the Old Spanish Trail, the historic character of the trail is tied 
to its routes in the natural environment and the existence of 
landscapes along the trail. The Old Spanish Trail remains relatively 
unchanged from the trail period. It has also been proven that numerous 
Indian pueblos were situated along the Old Spanish Trail serving as 
trading centers. The majority of these pueblos are occupied by 
descendants who contributed to the labor and goods that constituted 
commerce on the Old Spanish Trail.

[[Page S4182]]

  The National Trails System was established by the National Trails 
System Act of 1968 ``to promote the preservation of, public access to, 
travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of the open air, outdoor 
areas and historic resources of the Nation.'' Designating the Old 
Spanish Trail as a National Historic Trail would allow for just what 
the act has intended, preservation, access, enjoyment and appreciation 
of the historic resources of our Nation.
  By definition under the National Trails System Act of 1968, National 
Historic Trails are ``extended trails which follow as closely as 
possible and practicable the original route or routes of travel of 
national historic significance.'' The main route of Old Spanish Trail 
travels more than 1,160 miles through the states of New Mexico, 
Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California as well as 33 different 
counties throughout these states. More than 1,190 miles of Old Spanish 
Trail are currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management, more than 
310 miles are managed by the USDA Forest Service with an additional 
approximate 120 miles controlled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
The relative lack of development facilitates public access as well as 
minimizing potential conflicts with private land uses.
  The Old Spanish Trail has been significant in many respects to many 
different people. The rich history of this trail is something that 
should not be left out of our National Trails System. Designating Old 
Spanish Trail as a national Historic Trail will protect this historic 
route and its historic remnants and artifacts for public use and 
enjoyment.
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