[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H2897-H2899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AMENDING NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM ACT
Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and pass the bill (H.R. 37) to amend the National Trails System Act to
update the feasibility and suitability studies of 4 national historic
trails and provide for possible additions to such trails, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 37
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. REVISION OF FEASIBILITY AND SUITABILITY STUDIES OF
EXISTING NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS.
The National Trails System Act is amended by inserting
after section 5 (16 U.S.C. 1244) the following new section:
``SEC. 5A. REVISION OF FEASIBILITY AND SUITABILITY STUDIES OF
EXISTING TRAILS FOR POSSIBLE TRAIL EXPANSION.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this section:
``(A) Route.--The term `route' includes a trail segment
commonly known as a cutoff.
``(B) Shared route.--The term `shared route' means a route
that was a segment of more than one historic trail, including
a route shared with an existing national historic trail.
``(2) Study requirements and objectives.--The study
requirements and objectives specified in section 5(b) shall
apply to a study required by this section. The study shall
also assess the effect that designation of the studied route
as a component of an existing national scenic trail or
national historic trail may have on private property along
the proposed route.
``(3) Completion and submission of study.--A study listed
in this section shall be completed and submitted to the
Congress not later than three complete fiscal years from the
date of the enactment of this section, or from the date of
the enactment of the addition of the study to this section,
whichever is later.
``(4) Implementation of study results.--Upon completion of
a study required by this section, if the Secretary conducting
the study determines that a studied route is a feasible and
suitable addition to the existing national scenic trail or
national historic trail that was the subject of the study,
the Secretary shall designate the route as a component of
that national scenic trail or national historic trail. The
Secretary shall publish notice of the designation in the
Federal Register.
``(b) Oregon National Historic Trail.--
``(1) Study required.--The Secretary of the Interior shall
undertake a study of the routes of the Oregon Trail listed in
paragraph (2) and generally depicted on the map entitled
`Western Emigrant Trails 1830/1870' and dated 1991/1993, and
of such shared routes that the Secretary considers
appropriate, to determine the feasibility and suitability of
designation of one or more of the routes as components of the
Oregon National Historic Trail.
``(2) Covered routes.--The routes to be studied under
paragraph (1) are the following:
``(A) Whitman Mission route.
``(B) Upper Columbia River.
``(C) Cowlitz River route.
``(D) Meek cutoff.
``(E) Free Emigrant Road.
``(F) North Alternate Oregon Trail.
``(G) Goodale's cutoff.
``(H) North Side alternate route.
``(I) Cutoff to Barlow Road.
``(J) Naches Pass Trail.
``(c) Pony Express National Historic Trail.--The Secretary
of the Interior shall undertake a study of the approximately
20-mile southern alternative route of the Pony Express Trail
from Wathena, Kansas, to Troy, Kansas, and such shared routes
that the Secretary considers appropriate, to determine the
feasibility and suitability of designation of one or more of
the routes as components of the Pony Express National
Historic Trail.
``(d) California National Historic Trail.--
``(1) Study required.--The Secretary of the Interior shall
undertake a study of the Missouri Valley, central, and
western routes of the California Trail listed in paragraph
(2) and generally depicted on the map entitled `Western
Emigrant Trails 1830/1870' and dated 1991/1993, and of such
shared Missouri Valley, central, and western routes that the
Secretary considers appropriate, to determine the feasibility
and suitability of designation of one or more of the routes
as components of the California National Historic Trail.
``(2) Covered routes.--The routes to be studied under
paragraph (1) are the following:
``(A) Missouri valley routes.--
``(i) Blue Mills-Independence Road.
``(ii) Westport Landing Road.
``(iii) Westport-Lawrence Road.
``(iv) Fort Leavenworth-Blue River route.
``(v) Road to Amazonia.
``(vi) Union Ferry Route.
``(vii) Old Wyoming-Nebraska City cutoff.
``(viii) Lower Plattsmouth Route.
``(ix) Lower Bellevue Route.
``(x) Woodbury cutoff.
``(xi) Blue Ridge cutoff.
``(xii) Westport Road.
``(xiii) Gum Springs-Fort Leavenworth route.
``(xiv) Atchison/Independence Creek routes.
``(xv) Fort Leavenworth-Kansas River route.
``(xvi) Nebraska City cutoff routes.
``(xvii) Minersville-Nebraska City Road.
``(xviii) Upper Plattsmouth route.
``(xix) Upper Bellevue route.
``(B) Central routes.--
``(i) Cherokee Trail, including splits.
``(ii) Weber Canyon route of Hastings cutoff.
``(iii) Bishop Creek cutoff.
``(iv) McAuley cutoff.
``(v) Diamond Springs cutoff.
``(vi) Secret Pass.
``(vii) Greenhorn cutoff.
``(viii) Central Overland Trail.
``(C) Western routes.--
``(i) Bidwell-Bartleson route.
``(ii) Georgetown/Dagget Pass Trail.
``(iii) Big Trees Road.
``(iv) Grizzly Flat cutoff.
``(v) Nevada City Road.
``(vi) Yreka Trail.
``(vii) Henness Pass route.
``(viii) Johnson cutoff.
``(ix) Luther Pass Trail.
``(x) Volcano Road.
``(xi) Sacramento-Coloma Wagon Road.
``(xii) Burnett cutoff.
``(xiii) Placer County Road to Auburn.
``(e) Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail.--
``(1) Study required.--The Secretary of the Interior shall
undertake a study of the routes of the Morman Pioneer Trail
listed in paragraph (2) and generally depicted on the map
entitled `Western Emigrant Trails 1830/1870' and dated 1991/
1993, and of such shared routes that the Secretary considers
appropriate, to determine the feasibility and suitability of
designation of
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one or more of the routes as components of the Mormon Pioneer
National Historic Trail.
``(2) Covered routes.--The routes to be studied under
paragraph (1) are the following:
``(A) 1846 Subsequent routes A and B (Lucas and Clarke
Counties, Iowa).
``(B) 1856-57 Handcart route (Iowa City to Council Bluffs)
``(C) Keokuk route (Iowa).
``(D) 1847 Alternative Elkhorn and Loup River Crossings in
Nebraska.
``(E) Fort Leavenworth Road; Ox Bow route and alternates in
Kansas and Missouri (Oregon and California Trail routes used
by Mormon emigrants).
``(F) 1850 Golden Pass Road in Utah.
``(f) Shared California and Oregon Trail Routes.--
``(1) Study required.--The Secretary of the Interior shall
undertake a study of the shared routes of the California
Trail and Oregon Trail listed in paragraph (2) and generally
depicted on the map entitled `Western Emigrant Trails 1830/
1870' and dated 1991/1993, and of such other shared routes
that the Secretary considers appropriate, to determine the
feasibility and suitability of designation of one or more of
the routes as shared components of the California National
Historic Trail and the Oregon National Historic Trail.
``(2) Covered routes.--The routes to be studied under
paragraph (1) are the following:
``(A) St. Joe Road.
``(B) Council Bluffs Road.
``(C) Sublette cutoff.
``(D) Applegate route.
``(E) Old Fort Kearny Road (Oxbow Trail).
``(F) Childs cutoff.
``(G) Raft River to Applegate.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Jones) and the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands
(Mrs. Christensen) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones).
{time} 1030
Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 37, introduced by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr.
Bereuter), would amend the National Trails System Act to authorize the
Secretary of Interior to study a number of specific routes and cutoff
trails that may be suitable and appropriate for designation as
components of the Oregon National Historic Trail; second, the
California National Historic Trail; third, The Pony Express National
Historic Trail; and, fourth, the Mormon Pioneer National Historic
Trail.
Since these four trails were established in the 1970s, dozens of
additional routes and cutoffs have been identified that may qualify as
integral parts of these trails. After determining that the additions or
cutoff trails are suitable, the Secretary would designate the routes
and cutoff trails as components of these four national trails.
Mr. Speaker, no condemnation of private lands or Federal leases are
to be contemplated for any of these routes to these trails.
The bill is not controversial. It is supported by both the majority
and the minority and the administration, and at the proper time I urge
an aye vote on the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend
her remarks.)
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 37 would amend the National
Trails System Act to update previously-completed studies of the Oregon,
California, Pony Express and Mormon National Historic Trails. There
have been public and private efforts to commemorate and interpret the
history and resources of these historic trails. These preservation
efforts have spawned additional research on the trails that has
indicated there may be additional routes and cutoffs associated with
each of these trails which merit designation as a segment of the
existing national historic trail.
The purpose of H.R. 37 is to examine those additional routes and
cutoffs that were not considered in the initial studies of these trails
to determine whether they do, in fact, merit historic trail
designation.
A hearing on H.R. 37 was held in April, at which time we received
favorable testimony on this matter from the administration, as well as
public witnesses. At the full Committee on Resources markup of H.R. 37
in May, a technical and conforming amendment to the bill was adopted by
voice vote.
Mr. Speaker, we support the amended bill and favor the passage of
H.R. 37 by the House today.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the sponsor of this
legislation.
Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member, of course, is in strong
support of H.R. 37, a bill this Member introduced on January 3 of this
year. This Member also introduced similar legislation in the 106th
Congress.
I would begin by commending the distinguished gentleman from Colorado
(Mr. Hefley), the chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks,
Recreation and Public Lands; the distinguished gentlewoman from the
Virgin Islands (Mrs. Christensen), the ranking member of the
subcommittee, the distinguished gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), the
chairman of the Committee on Resources; and the distinguished gentleman
from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall), the ranking member of the Committee on
Resources, for their work in bringing this legislation to the floor. I
might say to my colleague, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr.
Jones), I thank him for managing this legislation.
The bill is necessary and should be noncontroversial. It is a
straightforward effort to provide a one-time feasibility study updating
the background for the four national historic trails, the Oregon, the
California, Mormon and Pony Express trails. The measure simply
recognizes the fact that there are additional routes and cutoffs which
may deserve inclusion in the National Trails System.
During the update period, the National Park Service will work with
the appropriate trails groups and other interested parties to develop
information on any new segment of trail in an effort to determine if it
meets the criteria for addition to the system. No condemnation of
private lands, as indicated by the gentleman North Carolina (Mr.
Jones), or Federal leases is to be contemplated to add any of these
routes to the trails.
Although the National Park Service is supportive of efforts to
examine additional routes, it has determined that legislation is needed
to be provided to it, such as this authorization legislation, and that
is the purpose of H.R. 37.
All four trails covered in this legislation were instrumental in
opening the American West, but each has its own unique story to tell.
The California Trail enabled 70,000 people to follow their dream to the
Golden State. In 1848 and 1850, the Oregon Trail made it possible for
fur traders, settlers and others to reach the Pacific Northwest; and
although it lasted only 18 months, the Pony Express achieved a
cherished role in American lure. Its daring riders, which included
Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok, were able to deliver the mail
from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, in 10 days.
The Mormon Pioneer Trail allowed the church members an opportunity to
head West in search of religious freedom. These trails all follow at
least part of the Platte River and Nebraska is proud to have as one of
its nicknames the Historic Trail State. Many used the route through
Nebraska to reach their goal further West. Those with more foresight
decided to settle in Nebraska.
This Member is pleased to note that during the 102nd Congress, he
introduced the legislation which was enacted to designate the
California National Historic Trail and the Pony Express National
Historic Trail as components of the National Trails System.
The bill being discussed today will build on that effort and enable
even greater recognition of the contributions made by these bold and
courageous pioneers. Those that used the trails endured hardships that
are difficult to imagine. They survived hazards such as wild animals,
blizzards and floods, as well as scarcity and disease.
To those who bravely made it to their destination but those who died
along the way, we owe a debt of gratitude. This Member believes that
H.R. 37 will help to give the proper recognition to the many historic
and heroic individuals who played such an important role in settling
the American West.
Mr. Speaker, this Member would like to take this opportunity to
express his
[[Page H2899]]
appreciation to the many dedicated volunteers who have been so
supportive of these national trails. Particularly, this Member would
like to thank Bill and Jeanne Watson with the Oregon-California Trail
Association; Pat Hearty with the Pony Express Trail Association; Ron
Anderson with the Mormon Trail Association; and Loren Horton with the
Iowa Mormon Trail Association.
The efforts to preserve and provide recognition of these trails is
truly a grass-roots labor of love involving thousands of individuals.
By the way, they are also involved in some of the upkeep
responsibilities as volunteers.
Mr. Speaker, this Member urges his colleagues to support H.R. 37.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of
my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Sununu). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 37, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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