§583k Findings

Summary

Congress says the National Forest System has over 157,000 miles of trails used for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, motorized travel, and other outdoor activities. A Government Accountability Office review found the Forest Service can only keep about one-quarter of those trails up to standard and faces a $314 million trail maintenance backlog plus another $210 million needed each year for maintenance, improvements, and operations. Poor trail upkeep can block access, harm the environment, endanger people, and raise future costs. Because federal budgets are limited, the law calls for more efficient use of resources and a clear plan to make the best use of volunteers, partners, and outfitters and guides.