280-Mile Bonneville Shoreline Trail Moves Closer to National Status: Interior Department to Study Feasibility

This legislation mandates that the Secretary of the Interior conduct a feasibility study on officially designating the Bonneville Shoreline Trail as part of the National Trails System. This is a procedural but significant step for the 280-mile trail that runs from the Idaho-Utah border down to Nephi, Utah, tracing the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville. The bill achieves this by amending Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act, adding the Bonneville Shoreline Trail system to the list of areas requiring federal review for potential national status.

The Ancient Shoreline Gets a Closer Look

For those who hike, bike, or run along the Wasatch Front, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail is already a major recreational asset. This bill doesn't instantly make it a National Scenic Trail, but it starts the formal process. Think of it like this: before you commit to a major home renovation, you hire an architect to draw up plans and check the foundation. That’s what this study is—a detailed check on the trail’s eligibility, management needs, and potential impact if it were to gain national recognition.

What a Feasibility Study Actually Means

When a trail is studied for inclusion in the National Trails System, the Department of the Interior has to look at several key factors. They’ll assess the trail’s historical significance, its current condition, and whether it’s even feasible to manage it under federal guidelines, which often involves coordinating with various local, state, and private landowners. For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this study is the first step toward greater protection and potentially better funding for maintenance, signage, and accessibility. It puts the trail on the map for higher-level planning and resource allocation.

Real-World Impact: From Local Path to National Treasure?

If the study concludes the trail is viable for national designation, it could mean a few things for everyday users and local communities. For a resident in Salt Lake City who uses a section of the trail for their morning run, national designation could mean more consistent trail maintenance and clearer long-term management. For small towns along the route, like Nephi or those near the Idaho border, it could boost local tourism by drawing national and international visitors who seek out official National Trails. Since this action is purely a study, there are no immediate costs or regulations imposed, but it signals serious intent to elevate the trail’s status, which is generally a win for conservation and recreation.