[Senate Report 117-84]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 285
117th Congress } { Report
SENATE
2d Session } { 117-84
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CHILKOOT NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL
_______
February 28, 2022.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Manchin, from the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 1354]
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the bill (S. 1354), to amend the National Trails
System Act to designate the Chilkoot National Historic Trail
and to provide for a study of the Alaska Long Trail, and for
other purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably
thereon with amendments and recommends that the bill, as
amended, do pass.
Amendments
The amendments are as follows:
On page 2, lines 3 through 5, strike
``a traditional gold rush route of approximately 16.5 miles
within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park'' and
insert ``an approximately 16.5-mile route within the Klondike
Gold Rush National Historical Park that was traditionally used
as a trading route by the Tlingit Indian Tribe and Tagish First
Nation and as a gold rush route''.
On page 4, line 9, insert
``, including evaluating the potential impacts of the trail on
rights-of-way, existing rights, or other recreational uses of
the land proposed to be used for the trail'' after
``subparagraph (A)''.
Purpose
The purpose of S. 1354 is to amend the National Trails
System Act to designate the Chilkoot National Historic Trail in
Alaska and to provide for a study of the Alaska Long Trail.
Background and Need
National Historic Trails recognize original trails or
routes of travel of national historic significance, including
past routes of exploration, migration, and military action.
National Historic Trails and National Scenic Trails are
authorized pursuant to the National Trails System Act of 1968
(16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.).
The Chilkoot Trail is a 33-mile recreational trail
connecting Dyea, Alaska, to Bennett, British Columbia. This
trail once served as a Tlingit trading route and a gold rush
route from 1897 to 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. S. 1354
would designate the Alaska section as a National Historic
Trail.
The Alaska Long Trail is a proposed 500-mile route
connecting Seward to Fairbanks. Many sections of the proposed
trail already exist or are currently planned, and the route is
almost entirely on public land. S. 1354 would amend the
National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c)) to authorize the
Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the
Bureau of Land Management, to conduct a study of the
feasibility of designating the Alaska Long Trail as a National
Scenic Trail. National Scenic Trails are continuous, extended
routes of outdoor recreation within protected corridors.
Legislative History
Senator Murkowski introduced S. 1354 on April 22, 2021. The
Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on the bill on
June 23, 2021.
Committee Recommendation
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in
open business session on November 18, 2021, by a majority voice
vote of a quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass S.
1354, if amended as described herein.
Committee Amendments
During its consideration of S. 1354, the Committee adopted
two clarifying amendments to the bill. The first amendment
changes the description of the Chilkoot National Historic Trail
in subparagraph (A) to include the fact that it was used as a
trading route by the Tlingit Indian Tribe and Tagish First
Nation in addition to being a gold rush route. The second
amendment requires the Secretary to consider impacts on rights-
of-way, existing rights, or other recreational uses of the land
when conducting the feasibility study for the Alaska Long
Trail.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
This section provides the short title of the bill, the
``Alaska Trails Act''.
Sec. 2. Designation of the Chilkoot National Historical Trail
Section 2 amends section 5(a) of the National Trails System
Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(a)) by adding a new paragraph designating
the Chilkoot National Historic Trail, a route of approximately
16.5 miles within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical
Park that was used as a trading route by the Tlingit Tribe and
Tagish First Nation in addition to being a traditional gold
rush route, to be administered by the Secretary of the
Interior.
The section provides that the national historic trail
designation will not affect any authorities under Public Law
94-323 (16 U.S.C. 410bb et seq.), which established the
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
The section permits the Secretary of the Interior to
coordinate with public and non-governmental organizations and
universities in the U.S. and Canada, Alaska Native
Corporations, and with the Canadian government to exchange
information and research relating to the Chilkoot National
Historic Trail, support preservation and educational programs,
provide technical assistance, and work to establish an
international historic trail that provides complementary
preservation and education programs in the U.S. and Canada.
Section 3. Alaska Long National Scenic Trail Study
Section 3 amends section 5(c) of the National Trails System
Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(c)) by adding a new paragraph authorizing a
study of the ``Alaska Long Trail,'' a route of approximately
500 miles from Seward, Alaska to Fairbanks, Alaska.
The Secretary is required to study the feasibility of
designating the trail and evaluate the potential impacts of the
trail on rights-of-way, existing rights, or other recreational
uses of the land proposed to be used for the trail.
The section requires the Secretary to conduct the study in
consultation with the Forest Service, the State of Alaska and
units of local governments, the Alaska Native Corporations, and
representatives of the private sector, including an entity that
holds a permit issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
Cost and Budgetary Considerations
The Congressional Budget Office has not estimated the costs
of S. 1354 as passed by the Senate. The Committee has
requested, but has not yet received, the Congressional Budget
Office's estimate of the cost of S. 1354 as ordered reported.
When the Congressional Budget Office completes its cost
estimate, it will be posted on the Internet at www.cbo.gov.
Regulatory Impact Evaluation
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out S. 1354. The bill is not a regulatory measure in
the sense of imposing Government-established standards or
significant economic responsibilities on private individuals
and businesses. No personal information would be collected in
administering the program. Therefore, there would be no impact
on personal privacy. Little, if any, additional paperwork would
result from the enactment of S. 1354, as ordered reported.
Congressionally Directed Spending
S. 1354, as ordered reported, does not contain any
congressionally directed spending items, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the
Standing Rules of the Senate.
Executive Communications
The testimony provided by the Department of the Interior at
the June 16, 2021, hearing on S. 1354 follows:
Statement of Michael Caldwell, Acting Associate Director, Park
Planning, Facilities and Lands, National Park Service, U.S. Department
of the Interior
Chairman King, Ranking Member Daines, and members of the
Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to provide the
Department of the Interior's views on S. 1354, a bill to amend
the National Trails System Act to designate the Chilkoot
National Historic Trail and to provide for a study of the
Alaska Long Trail, and for other purposes.
The Department supports the designation of the Chilkoot
National Historic Trail, as provided for by Section 2 of S.
1354. The Department supports with an amendment the
authorization of a feasibility study for designating the Alaska
Long Trail as a national scenic trail, as provided for by
Section 3 of the bill.
Section 2 would amend the National Trails System Act (16
USC 1244(a)) to designate the Chilkoot Trail within Klondike
Gold Rush National Historical Park as a National Historic
Trail. The trail would be administered by the Secretary of the
Interior and a provision in the bill ensures that the
designation of the trail would not affect any authorities
provided under Public Law 94-323 (16 USC 410bb et seq), the act
that established Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
S. 1354 also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to
coordinate with organizations and institutions of higher
education in the US and Canada, Alaska Native Corporations,
and, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the
Government of Canada for the purposes of exchanging
information, supporting the trail, providing technical
assistance, and working to establish an international historic
trail.
National Historic Trails, part of the National Trails
System, identify and protect travel routes of national historic
significance for public use and enjoyment. The designation of
the Chilkoot Trail as a National Historic Trail is appropriate
not only because of the physical artifacts remaining in place
on the trail, but also the universal story of struggle,
perseverance, and hope that the trail embodies. The historic
and economic impacts of the gold rush are far reaching, and the
Klondike legacy is still relevant today. The trail was
traditionally used as a trading route by Tlingit (Alaska
Native) and Tagish (Canadian First Nation) tribes and continues
to beckon a variety of hikers from local Alaskans exploring
their ``backyard'' to international visitors who are looking to
experience a world-class hiking destination. Already co-managed
with Parks Canada, a National Historic Trail designation would
highlight both the national and international role that this
trail played and continues to play today. The trail receives
3,500 through-hikers and 12,000 day-hikers originating from
Skagway.
Section 3 would amend the National Trails System Act (16
USC 1244 (c)) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior,
acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management,
to conduct a study of the feasibility of designating the Alaska
Long Trail as a National Scenic Trail. The proposed Alaska Long
Trail would extend approximately 500 miles from Seward, Alaska
to Fairbanks, Alaska. S. 1354 directs the Secretary to conduct
the study in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture,
the State of Alaska, local governments in Alaska, Alaska Native
Corporations, and representatives of the private sector,
including those that hold Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
permits.
National Scenic Trails, another type of trail within the
National Trails System, display significant characteristics of
the nation's physiographic regions. They provide for outdoor
recreation and for the conservation and enjoyment of scenic,
historic, natural or cultural qualities. While the Department
supports authorizing this feasibility study, we would like to
give further consideration to the question of which Federal
land management agency is most appropriate to conduct the
study, as it would likely involve lands managed by the U.S.
Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of
Land Management. We would like to work with the bill sponsor
and the Committee on an amendment for that purpose. Regardless
of which agency conducts the study, that agency will be
required to consult with all other affected land management
agencies, as provided for in the National Trails System Act (16
USC 1244(b)).
Chairman King, that concludes my statement. I would be
happy to answer any questions you or other members of the
Subcommittee may have.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by
the bill S. 1354, as ordered reported, are shown as follows
(existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black
brackets, new matter is printed in italic, existing law in
which no change is proposed is shown in roman):
Public Law 90-543
AN ACT To establish a national trails system, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SHORT TITLE
Section 1. This Act may be cited as the ``National Trails
System Act''.
* * * * * * *
NATIONAL SCENIC AND NATIONAL HISTORICAL TRAILS
Sec. 5. (a) National scenic and national historic trails
shall be authorized and designated only by Act of Congress.
There are hereby established the following National Scenic and
National Historic Trails:
* * * * * * *
(31) Chilkoot National Historic Trail.--
(A) In general.--The Chilkoot National
Historic Trail, a traditional gold rush route
of approximately 16.5 miles within the Klondike
Gold Rush National Historical Park, as
generally depicted on the map entitled
``Proposed Chilkoot National Historic Trail'',
numbered KLGO-461-173787, and dated October
2020.
(B) Availability of map.--The map described
in subparagraph (A) shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the
appropriate offices of the National Park
Service.
(C) Administration.--The Chilkoot National
Historic Trail shall be administered by the
Secretary of the Interior.
(D) Effect.--The designation of the Chilkoot
National Historic Trail shall not affect any
authorities under Public Law 94-323 (16 U.S.C.
410bb et seq.).
(E) Coordination of activities.--The
Secretary of the Interior may coordinate with
public and nongovernmental organizations and
institutions of higher education in the United
States and Canada, Alaska Native Corporations,
and, in consultation with the Secretary of
State, the Government of Canada and any
political subdivisions of the Government of
Canada for the purposes of--
(i) exchanging information and
research relating to the Chilkoot
National Historic Trail;
(ii) supporting the preservation of,
and educational programs relating to,
the Chilkoot National Historic Trail;
(iii) providing technical assistance
with respect to the Chilkoot National
Historic Trail; and
(iv) working to establish an
international historic trail
incorporating the Chilkoot National
Historic Trail that provides for
complementary preservation and
education programs in the United States
and Canada.
* * * * * * *
(c) The following routes shall be studied in accordance
with the objectives outlined in subsection (b) of this section:
* * * * * * *
(48) Alaska Long Trail.--
(A) In general.--The Alaska Long Trail,
extending approximately 500 miles from Seward,
Alaska, to Fairbanks, Alaska.
(B) Requirement.--The Secretary of the
Interior, acting through the Director of the
Bureau of Land Management (referred to in this
paragraph as the ``Secretary''), shall study
the feasibility of designating the trail
described in subparagraph (A).
(C) Consultation.--The Secretary shall
conduct the study under this paragraph in
consultation with--
(i) the Secretary of Agriculture,
acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service;
(ii) the State of Alaska;
(iii) units of local government in
the State of Alaska;
(iv) Alaska Native Corporations; and
(v) representatives of the private
sector, including any entity that holds
a permit issued by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission.
* * * * * * *
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