Walking On Volume 2, Issue 3, March 2015 | Page 9

Industry Info Groups Rally Behind National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act New legislation calls for improved investments in National Forest Trail System Outdoor recreation and conservation groups including the Backcountry Horsemen of America, The Wilderness Society, the American Horse Council, motorized recreation groups, outfitters and guides expressed their support for congressional legislation that would improve access and public safety on national forests and better address the persistent, growing backlog for trail maintenance on public lands. The National Forest Trails System Stewardship Act of 2015, introduced today by Representatives Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Tim Walz (D-MN), would keep more trails open and accessible by expanding the use of volunteer and partner organizations and providing increased focus on a handful of priority areas around the country. More than 50 diverse recreation and conservation groups requested the legislation after a 2013 Government Accountability Office study found the Forest Service trail system is being squeezed between the demands of growing public use and shrinking budgets. According to that report, the maintenance backlog for forest trails exceeds $314 million dollars and threatens to limit public access, harm natural resources, and increase future maintenance costs. “Improving safety and access in our national forests provides a significant return on investment for America,” said Paul Spitler, Director of Wilderness Campaigns at The Wilderness Society. “These trails fuel a powerful outdoor economy and keep our public lands accessible for Americans. They are simply too important to lose. We applaud Representatives Lummis and Walz for their leadership on preserving and maintaining America’s trails.” The United States National f