Stauber Bill to Increase Access for Recreationists and Enhance Tourism in Northern Minnesota Positioned to Pass Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act. This bill would streamline the North Country Scenic Trail route in Northern Minnesota to increase opportunities for recreationists. The Senate just approved a public lands package that includes this bill, and the House is expected to follow suit.
"In Minnesota, we are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the nation and world," said Stauber. "This commonsense bill would reroute the North Country Trail, giving recreationists and hikers the chance to experience even more of our region's stunning scenery, all while enhancing tourism and bringing more revenue to our local economy. I look forward to seeing it make its way to President's desk in the near future."
"The North Country Trail Association is looking forward to Congress finally passing this bipartisan, non-controversial legislation so that the power of our volunteer community can be fully unleashed in northeastern Minnesota," said Matthew Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator for the North Country Trail Association. "We are grateful for Rep. Stauber's co-sponsorship along with that of all the Arrowhead region communities and partners that have been waiting for this to happen. Our volunteer community wants to improve outdoor access for Minnesotans while also bringing more visitors to the Arrowhead Region."
The North Country Scenic Trail is the nation's longest hiking trail, expanding from North Dakota to New York. In Minnesota, certain portions of the trail remain incomplete because the current route intersects with wetlands that cannot be disturbed for conservation reasons. This bill would incorporate 400 miles of existing hiking trails for the purpose of circumventing these wetlands.
This afternoon, the Senate approved a comprehensive lands package bill (S. 47) that includes the North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act. The House is expected to pass the public lands bill soon.
Additionally, this bill would extend the North Country Scenic Trail into Vermont and connect it to the Appalachian Scenic Trail.
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