Requires the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to establish standards for the closing of segments of trails on the Empire state trail, and provide notice of such closings to the public.
Summary
Bill A07749 seeks to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law by establishing standards for the closure of segments of the Empire State Trail. It defines the Empire State Trail and multi-use trails, and mandates that trail owners keep segments open for public use whenever practicable. In cases where closures are necessary due to construction or safety concerns, the bill requires landowners to notify the commissioner or their designee, who will then coordinate detour routes and signage to inform the public of the closures.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will enhance the management of the Empire State Trail by ensuring that closures are handled systematically and transparently. It will require landowners to maintain communication with the state regarding trail closures and to provide detour information, thereby improving public access and safety on the trail network. This could lead to more consistent experiences for users of the trail and may influence future regulations regarding trail maintenance and public safety.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A07749 appears to be positive, as evidenced by unanimous support in committee votes. The bill has passed through multiple committees with favorable recommendations, indicating a strong consensus among lawmakers regarding the need for improved standards for trail management and public notification.
Contention
While there has been broad support for the bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding the responsibilities placed on landowners for trail maintenance and the implications of detour planning. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the financial or logistical burdens this could impose, particularly on smaller municipalities or private entities managing trail segments.
Same As
Requires the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to establish standards for the closing of segments of trails on the Empire state trail, and provide notice of such closings to the public.
Requires the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to establish standards for the closing of segments of trails on the Empire state trail, and provide notice of such closings to the public.
Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to establish design standards for greenway trails and to manage applications for greenway trails.
Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to establish design standards for greenway trails and to manage applications for greenway trails.
Establishing a 4-year pilot program to improve rail trails in New Hampshire, including the establishment of 2 funds, the rail trails program fund and the emergency trail repair fund, and making appropriations therefor.
Provides that employees of the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation who engage in tree maintenance must first obtain an appropriate sawyer certification through the United States forest service national crosscut and chainsaw program.