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National Trails System » Feasibility Study Revision for Additional Routes to the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express National Historic Trails
Since the original designation of the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, and Pony Express national historic trails, a significant amount of interest and research has developed concerning additional routes followed by emigrants to Oregon, California, and Utah, and on alternate routes used by the Pony Express.
The original feasibility studies of the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, and Pony Express national historic trails are being revised. The purpose of the revisions is to determine the feasibility and suitability of designating 64 additional components, specifically named in the law, as well as "such other routes ... that the Secretary considers appropriate ..."
* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Conduct external scoping
Step 2. Gather route data and determine national significance
Step 3. Define purpose and need/develop preliminary alternatives
Step 4. Prepare draft study/environmental document for internal National Park Service review
Step 5. Prepare final study/environmental document
Step 6. Release final study/environmental document to Congress *
A feasibility study takes years to complete because it is a complex document that is prepared for congressional review and that must meet the requirements of both the National Trails System Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The process demands ongoing consultation with the public, local and state governments, other federal agencies, and Indian tribes, plus multiple levels of review within the National Park Service. In this case, consultation must be conducted along thousands of miles across four national historic trails. All of this effort is critical to ensure a fair, thoughtful, and legal process — it takes time.
The resulting document will be a combination feasibility study and environmental assessment (EA). The feasibility study evaluates eligibility of the study routes for all four trails, while the EA examines the effects of trail designation on local communities, economies, governments, landowners, roads, and other aspects of the social, cultural, and natural environments. The final document will include the NPS eligibility findings and a recommendation to Congress to designate all, some, or none of the study segments.
Upon completion of the study, the NPS will submit the final documents to Congress. Congress could set them aside or pass legislation to add all, some, or none of the study routes to the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express National Historic Trails. This part of the process could take months or even years.
The NPS prepares the study and offers a recommendation, but may not lobby for a particular outcome or otherwise involve itself in the legislative process. Congress makes the final decision.
The original feasibility studies of the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, and Pony Express national historic trails are being revised. The purpose of the revisions is to determine the feasibility and suitability of designating 64 additional components, specifically named in the law, as well as "such other routes ... that the Secretary considers appropriate ..."
* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Conduct external scoping
Step 2. Gather route data and determine national significance
Step 3. Define purpose and need/develop preliminary alternatives
Step 4. Prepare draft study/environmental document for internal National Park Service review
Step 5. Prepare final study/environmental document
Step 6. Release final study/environmental document to Congress *
A feasibility study takes years to complete because it is a complex document that is prepared for congressional review and that must meet the requirements of both the National Trails System Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The process demands ongoing consultation with the public, local and state governments, other federal agencies, and Indian tribes, plus multiple levels of review within the National Park Service. In this case, consultation must be conducted along thousands of miles across four national historic trails. All of this effort is critical to ensure a fair, thoughtful, and legal process — it takes time.
The resulting document will be a combination feasibility study and environmental assessment (EA). The feasibility study evaluates eligibility of the study routes for all four trails, while the EA examines the effects of trail designation on local communities, economies, governments, landowners, roads, and other aspects of the social, cultural, and natural environments. The final document will include the NPS eligibility findings and a recommendation to Congress to designate all, some, or none of the study segments.
Upon completion of the study, the NPS will submit the final documents to Congress. Congress could set them aside or pass legislation to add all, some, or none of the study routes to the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express National Historic Trails. This part of the process could take months or even years.
The NPS prepares the study and offers a recommendation, but may not lobby for a particular outcome or otherwise involve itself in the legislative process. Congress makes the final decision.