Proposed 280-Mile Bonneville Shoreline Trail Moves Forward with Mandated Feasibility Study

This bill sets the wheels in motion for a massive new recreational trail in the West by directing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. This isn't just a casual suggestion; it’s a required study added to the existing framework of the National Trails System Act, specifically Section 5(c).

The proposed trail is ambitious, planned to stretch roughly 280 miles, following the ancient shoreline bench left behind by Lake Bonneville. It would run from the Idaho-Utah border all the way down to Nephi, Utah. This study is the critical first step to determine if this route is viable for potential designation as a National Scenic or National Historic Trail.

What Does a 'Feasibility Study' Actually Mean?

Think of this as the government hiring a consultant to do the deep dive before breaking ground. The study won't build the trail, but it will figure out if the trail can be built and maintained under federal standards. For people living along the Wasatch Front and in the surrounding areas, this matters because a positive study result opens the door for a major new outdoor recreation asset right in their backyard.

If the study confirms the trail is feasible, it means potentially hundreds of miles of designated, protected, and maintained pathways for hiking, biking, and running. For local communities, especially those smaller towns along the route, this could mean a significant boost in tourism and outdoor recreation dollars—think more foot traffic for local coffee shops, gear stores, and hotels.

The Real-World Impact: Procedure Over Policy (For Now)

Right now, this bill is purely procedural. It’s about paperwork and analysis, not construction. It doesn't allocate huge sums of money or seize private land; it just mandates that the Department of the Interior use its resources to assess the project’s viability. This means there are no immediate negative impacts on landowners or taxpayers beyond the cost of the study itself, which is a standard federal expense.

This study is the gateway to formalized trail designation. If the trail eventually gets the green light, it would bring federal attention and resources to managing and promoting the route. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a clear win, as it begins the process of securing access to a vast, scenic corridor that traces a unique geological feature—the ancient lake bed—making it a distinctive regional asset.