[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 72 (Thursday, May 3, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5599-S5600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCAIN (for himself and Mr. Kyl):
  S. 1304. A bill to amend the National Trails System Act to designate 
the Arizona National Scenic Trail; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined today by Senator 
Kyl in introducing the Arizona Trail Feasibility National Scenic Trail 
Act. This bill would designate the Arizona Trail as a National Scenic 
Trail. A similar bill is being introduced in the House of 
Representatives by Congresswoman Giffords.
  The Arizona Trail is a beautifully diverse stretch of public lands, 
mountains, canyons, deserts, forests, historic sites, and communities. 
The Trail is approximately 807 miles long and begins at the Coronado 
National Memorial on the U.S.-Mexico border and ends in the Bureau of 
Land Management's Arizona Strip District on the Utah border near the 
Grand Canyon. In between these two points, the trail winds through some 
of the most rugged, spectacular scenery in the Western United States. 
The corridor for the Arizona Trail encompasses the wide range of 
ecological diversity in the State, and incorporates a host of existing 
trails into one continuous trail. In fact, the trail route is so 
topographically diverse that a person can hike from the Sonoran Desert 
to Alpine forests in 1 day.
  For over a decade, more than 16 Federal, State, and local agencies, 
as well as community and business organizations, have partnered to 
create, develop, and manage the Arizona Trail. Through their combined 
efforts, these agencies and the members of the Arizona Trail 
Association have completed over 90 percent of the longest contiguous 
land-based trail in the State of Arizona. Designating the Arizona Trail 
as a National Scenic Trail would help streamline the management of the 
high-use trail to ensure that this pristine stretch of diverse land is 
preserved for future generations to enjoy.
  Since 1968, when the National Trails System Act was established, 
Congress has designated over 20 National trails. Before a trail 
receives a national designation, a Federal study is typically required 
to assess the feasibility of establishing a trail route. The Arizona 
Trail doesn't require a feasibility study because it's virtually 
complete with less than 60 miles left to build and sign. All but 1 
percent of the trail resides on public land, and the unfinished 
segments don't involve private property. The trail meets the criteria 
to be labeled a National Scenic Trail and already appears on all 
Arizona State maps. Therefore, the Congress has reason to forego an 
unnecessary and costly feasibility study and proceed straight to 
National Scenic Trail designation.
  The Arizona Trail is known throughout the State as boon to outdoor 
enthusiasts. The Arizona State Parks recently released data showing 
that two-thirds of Arizonans consider themselves trail users. Millions 
of visitors also use Arizona's trails each year. In one of the fastest-
growing States in the U.S., the designation of the Arizona Trail as a 
National Scenic Trail would ensure the preservation of a corridor of 
open space for hikers, mountain bicyclists, cross country skiers, 
snowshoers, eco-tourists, equestrians, and joggers.
  I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation.
  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, today I am pleased to join with Senator 
McCain in introducing the Arizona National Scenic Trail Act. This bill 
would amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Arizona 
Trail as a national scenic trail. In 1968, Congress established the 
National Trails System to promote the preservation of historical 
resources and outdoor areas. National scenic and historic trails may be 
designated only by an act of Congress.
  This is not a new proposal. Senator McCain and I have been working on 
legislation relating to the Arizona Trail since the 108th Congress. 
Past legislation focused on conducting a feasibility study to determine 
whether the trail is physically possible and financially feasible. A 
feasibility study is generally the first step toward national trail 
designation, but such legislation was not successfully enacted. In the 
meantime the Arizona Trail Association and its State and Federal 
partners have continued to develop the trail with national designation 
in mind. Senator McCain and I believe a feasibility study is not 
necessary. Let me explain: the Arizona Trail already exists. It extends 
over 800 continuous miles and is over 90 percent complete--clearly, it 
is physically possible. It is also financially feasible, as this trail 
does not require a single land acquisition, and commitments already 
exist to manage the trail and complete the remaining few miles of trail 
construction. This trail is ready for designation. In fact, the Arizona 
Trail is farther along than many national scenic trails that have 
already been designated by Congress.
  The Arizona Trail is highly deserving of national designation. The 
trail is a roller coaster ride through the wide range of ecological 
diversity in the State. The trail corridor begins at the Coronado 
National Memorial on the U.S.-Mexico border and winds some 800 miles, 
ending on the Bureau of Land Management's Arizona Strip District on the 
Utah border. Between these two points, it invites recreationists to 
explore the State's most renowned mountains, canyons, deserts and 
forests, including the Grand Canyon and the Sonora Desert. This trail 
is unique in that it maximizes the incorporation of already existing 
public trails into one continuous trail to showcase some of the most 
spectacular scenery in the West.
  Over 16 Federal, State and local agencies, as well as numerous 
community and business organizations and countless volunteers, have 
cooperated to develop and sustain the trail as a recreational resource 
for future generations. Designating the Arizona Trail

[[Page S5600]]

as a national scenic tail will help streamline its management, boost 
tourism and recreation, and preserve a magnificent natural, cultural, 
and historical experience of the American West. I urge my colleagues to 
enact this legislation at the earliest possible date.
                                 ______