Title 16, ConservationRelease 119-110

§8483 Trail Pilot Program

Title 16 › CHAPTER 103 — EXPANDING PUBLIC LANDS OUTDOOR RECREATION EXPERIENCES › SUBCHAPTER II — ACCESS AMERICA › Part A — Access for People With Disabilities › § 8483

Last updated Sep 23, 2026|Official source

Summary

The appropriate Secretary must start a pilot program by January 4, 2027 to work with eligible partners to measure high-priority trails, build new accessible trails, and make small changes to existing trails so people with disabilities who use assistive technology have better outdoor experiences. All work must follow the federal land use and management plans where the trails are, and must be done after talking with stakeholders, including veterans groups and organizations that help people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors. The Secretary must pick at least 5 units or subunits to run the pilot. For the Department of the Interior, at least one site must be managed by each of these agencies: the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The pilot program ends on January 4, 2032.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §8483

Conservation, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In general

Not later than 2 years after January 4, 2025, the Secretary concerned shall carry out a pilot program to enter into partnerships with eligible entities to—

(1)measure high-priority trails as part of the assessment required under section 8482 of this title;

(2)develop accessible trails under section 8484 of this title; and

(3)make minor modifications to existing trails to enhance recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities using assistive technology—

(A)in compliance with all applicable land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible trail is located; and

(B)in consultation with stakeholders, including veterans organizations and organizations with expertise or experience providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

(b)Locations

(1)In general

The Secretary concerned shall select no fewer than 5 units or subunits under the jurisdiction of the respective Secretary concerned to carry out the pilot program established under subsection (a).

(2)Special rule of construction for the Department of the Interior

In selecting the locations of the pilot program, the Secretary shall ensure that the pilot program is carried out in at least one unit managed by the—

(A)National Park Service;

(B)Bureau of Land Management; and

(C)United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

(c)Sunset

The pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after January 4, 2025.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 8483

Title 16, Conservation

Last Updated

Sep 23, 2026

Release point: 119-110