,,ii #aahth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #dgge ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #be1 #bjbd,mr4 ,kaine 7for himself and ,mr4 ,tillis7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources ,a ,,bill ,to enhance the preservation1 maintenance1 and management of national historic trails and national scenic trails1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,appalachian ,trail ,centennial ,act4 #b4 ,congressional declaration of policy ,congress declares that-- 7#a7 the large landscape conservation work relating to national historic trails and national scenic trails is built on partnership1 collaboration1 and community engagement2 7#b7 national historic trails and national scenic trails-- 7,a7 are landscape conservation tools2 and 7,b7 are federally designated areas1 but may include portions of non-,federal land under the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda et seq472 7#c7 national historic trails and national scenic trails are intended to be developed and protected over time1 collaboratively and cooperatively1 to further the purposes of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda et seq472 7#d7 the ,appalachian ,national ,scenic ,trail1 #a of the first #b components of the ,national ,trails ,system-- 7,a7 is a realm of natural1 scenic1 historical1 and cultural wonder available to all2 and 7,b7 is a model for cooperative stewardship 7historically known as cooperative management7 in the ,national ,trails ,system2 7#e7 the centennial of the ,appalachian ,national ,scenic ,trail in #bjbe is an opportunity to strengthen the precepts of the cooperative management model-- 7,a7 pioneered on the ,appalachian ,national ,scenic ,trail2 and 7,b7 to be replicated as appropriate throughout the ,national ,trails ,system2 7#f7 the development of the ,appalachian ,national ,scenic ,trail is in large part due to the efforts of volunteer organizations 7commonly referred to as ,appalachian ,trail ,maintaining ,clubs7 that-- 7,a7 directly or through subdivisions or subsidiary organizations1 have coordinated the participation of tens of thousands of volunteers for the planning1 construction1 development1 and stewardship of the ,appalachian ,national ,scenic ,trail1 which inspired the establishment of the ,national ,trails ,system2 and 7,b7 are the expert1 dispersed corps of volunteers who provide much of the day-to-day cooperative operation of the ,appalachian ,national ,scenic ,trail2 7#g7 there are inherently governmental functions referred to in the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda et seq47 relating to administration of national historic trails and national scenic trails1 which is distinct from management and operation of those trails2 7#h7 the ,federal ,government is responsible for administration and1 where the ,united ,states is the landowner1 management of national historic trails and national scenic trails cooperatively stewarded under this ,act1 while sharing1 to the extent the ,secretary concerned determines to be practicable1 operational responsibilities for those trails with ,designated ,operational ,partners and other cooperating individuals and entities pursuant to cooperative agreements2 7#i7 operation of a national historic trail or national scenic trail does not require land management authority over the land on which the national historic trail or national scenic trail is located2 and 7#aj7 it is the policy of the ,federal ,government that national historic trails and national scenic trails-- 7,a7 are conservation units managed and operated in partnership with ,state and nongovernmental entities2 and 7,b7 while administered by ,federal agencies1 are intended to be cooperatively developed with non-,federal governmental and nongovernmental partners4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administration ,the term administration1 with respect to a covered trail1 means the roles and responsibilities that-- 7,a7 are charged to the ,secretary concerned1 as described in section #g7;a7 of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abdf7;a771 with respect to the covered trail2 and 7,b7 may not be shared with any other individual or entity4 7#b7 ,comprehensive plan ,the term comprehensive plan means a comprehensive plan for a covered trail submitted under subsection 7e7 or 7f7 of section #e of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abdd74 7#c7 ,cooperative management ,the term cooperative management1 with respect to a covered trail1 means the negotiated division of roles and responsibilities relating to the stewardship and development of the covered trail that are-- 7,a7 permissible under law2 and 7,b7 within the categories of-- 7i7 administration2 7ii7 management2 and 7iii7 operation4 7#d7 ,cooperative management system ,the term cooperative management system1 with respect to a covered trail1 means the negotiated management structure for cooperative management of the covered trail1 including-- 7,a7 ,federal and ,state trust resource managers2 7,b7 ,tribal governments2 7,c7 nongovernmental organizations2 and 7,d7 volunteers organized by entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c74 7#e7 ,covered trail ,the term covered trail means a national historic trail or national scenic trail designated by section #e7;a7 of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abdd7;a774 7#f7 ,designated ,operational ,partner ,the term ,designated ,operational ,partner1 with respect to a covered trail1 means the entity designated for the covered trail under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 of section #d7;a74 7#g7 ,gateway community ,the term gateway community means a municipality or unincorporated settlement in the vicinity of a covered trail4 7#h7 ,management ,the term management1 with respect to a covered trail1 means the roles as responsibilities under applicable law of the owner of the land1 or any interest in land1 on which the covered trail is located with respect to the covered trail4 7#i7 ,operation 7,a7 ,in general ,the term operation1 with respect to a covered trail1 means any activity permissible under law that-- 7i7 is carried out on land on which the covered trail is located pursuant to a cooperative agreement2 7ii7 is not an activity of administration2 and 7iii7 does not infringe on any management or ownership authority of the applicable land manager1 if the land manager is not the individual or entity carrying out the activity4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term operation includes-- 7i7 acquisition of land for a covered trail2 7ii7 construction and maintenance of a facility or other improvement on1 across1 or along a covered trail2 7iii7 the provision of services for a covered trail2 7iv7 conceptual development of a covered trail2 7v7 maintenance of the treadway of a covered trail2 7vi7 conducting a research project relating to a covered trail2 7vii7 the provision to volunteers of education and training relating to methods of planning for1 construction of1 and maintenance of a covered trail2 and 7viii7 the stewardship of natural1 cultural1 or other resources associated with a covered trail4 7#aj7 ,proposed priority list ,the term proposed priority list means a proposed priority list for a covered trail developed under section #d7;f77#a74 7#aa7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#ab7 ,secretary concerned ,the term ,secretary concerned means-- 7,a7 the ,secretary1 with respect to a covered trail administered by the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 with respect to a covered trail administered by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#ac7 ,volunteer organization ,the term volunteer organization means an entity that coordinates the participation of individuals in the operation of a covered trail1 whether directly or through a subdivision or subsidiary organization4 #d4 ,establishing ,designated ,operational ,partners for national historic trails and national scenic trails 7a7 ,designation 7#a7 ,appalachian ,trail ,conservancy ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall designate the ,appalachian ,trail ,conservancy as the ,designated ,operational ,partner for the ,appalachian ,national ,scenic ,trail4 7#b7 ,additional designations 7,a7 ,in general ,in addition to the designation under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned may designate an eligible entity described in subparagraph 7,b7 to serve as the ,designated ,operational ,partner for any other covered trail4 7,b7 ,description of eligible entities ,an eligible entity referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 is an organization1 institution1 corporation1 or other entity that1 as determined by the ,secretary concerned-- 7i7 is described in section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of that ,code2 7ii7 has demonstrated experience in the operation1 maintenance1 and preservation of the resources of the covered trail1 regardless of whether the experience was before or after the designation of the covered trail under the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda et seq472 7iii7 has a plan for providing1 facilitating1 and coordinating the services of volunteers to contribute to the stewardship of the covered trail2 7iv7 has a record1 including through a predecessor organization1 of engagement with the establishment1 management1 maintenance1 or operation of the covered trail2 7v7 adheres to reasonable financial1 accounting1 and risk management practices2 7vi7 adheres to applicable requirements of ,federal agreements1 grants1 and contracts2 and 7vii7 would not supplant a volunteer organization already serving a substantial operational role trail-wide or across a significant portion of the covered trail unless the ,secretary concerned has determined that the lead management partner has failed to perform its responsibilities as agreed to or assigned under a management agreement with respect to the covered trail4 7,c7 ,qualifications 7i7 ,in general ,an eligible entity designated as a ,designated ,operational ,partner under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be considered to possesses unique expertise1 location capacity1 cost-sharing ability1 or other unique qualities relevant to the designation as a ,designated ,operational ,partner for the covered trail4 7ii7 ,present-funded activity ,designation of a ,designated ,operational ,partner for a covered trail shall be considered to be a continuation or completion of a present-funded activity4 7#c7 ,rescission ,the ,secretary concerned may rescind the designation of an eligible entity as a ,designated ,operational ,partner under paragraph 7#b7 if the ,secretary concerned determines that the eligible entity has ceased to meet #a or more of the criteria described in subparagraph 7,b7 of that paragraph4 7b7 ,cooperation in operation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary concerned may1 subject to such terms and conditions as the ,secretary concerned considers to be appropriate1 enter into a cooperative agreement with a ,designated ,operational ,partner for a covered trail to provide for the operation of the covered trail4 7#b7 ,requirements and authorities ,a cooperative agreement under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 shall be for a term of not more than #bj years2 7,b7 shall be for the purpose of facilitating the effective and efficient operation of the applicable covered trail under the cooperative management system of the covered trail2 and 7,c7 may allow for sharing of responsibilities between the ,designated ,operational ,partner and other entities4 7#c7 ,authorized activities ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary concerned may1 through a cooperative agreement under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 provide financial assistance to the ,designated ,operational ,partner for the purpose of carrying out cooperative management activities1 in accordance with section #g or #aa of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abdf1 #abej71 for the purpose of-- 7i7 providing stewardship for1 preserving1 conserving1 or restoring-- 7,i7 the natural resources of the covered trail2 7,,ii7 the historical and cultural resources of the covered trail2 7,,iii7 the scenic resources of the covered trail2 or 7,,iv7 the recreational resources of the covered trail2 7ii7 providing stewardship for1 developing1 constructing1 or maintaining facilities associated with the covered trail1 including maintaining the treadway of a covered trail2 7iii7 developing1 delivering1 or acquiring educational materials or public communications regarding the covered trail1 including maps and guides to facilitate use of the covered trail2 or 7iv7 conducting activities to facilitate appropriate usage of the covered trail2 7,b7 carry out cooperative management activities for the covered trail2 and 7,c7 provide goods or services to1 or receive funds1 goods1 or services from1 a ,designated ,operational ,partner4 7#d7 ,surplus personal property ,notwithstanding sections #eda through #eei of title #dj1 ,united ,states ,code1 a ,federal agency may dispose of surplus personal property by transferring the property to a ,designated ,operational ,partner1 to be used by the ,designated ,operational ,partner for purposes of carrying out a cooperative agreement under paragraph 7#a71 subject to the requirement that the cooperative agreement shall prohibit the ,designated ,operational ,partner1 or any subsidiary or subdivision of the ,designated ,operational ,partner1 from-- 7,a7 using the transferred property for purposes other than carrying out the duties and authorities of the ,designated ,operational ,partner under the cooperative agreement2 or 7,b7 transferring the transferred property to a recipient that is not a part of the cooperative management system of the covered trail4 7#e7 ,additional resources ,a ,designated ,operational ,partner may seek and accept funds1 property1 or services from individuals1 foundations1 corporations1 and other private and public entities-- 7,a7 to carry out a cooperative agreement under paragraph 7#a72 or 7,b7 for related purposes4 7#f7 ,cooperative agreement ,a cooperative agreement under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 shall be considered to be a cooperative agreement under chapter #fc of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7,b7 in accordance with the assignment of responsibilities for the administration1 management1 and operation of the covered trail1 may be a multilateral agreement among the ,designated ,operational ,partner1 the ,secretary1 and the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 as applicable4 7c7 ,proactive cooperative management consultation ,the ,secretary concerned shall proactively engage ,designated ,operational ,partners in considering management actions that may affect efforts to fulfill the nature and purposes of a covered trail1 as described in the comprehensive plan for the covered trail-- 7#a7 to determine the overall potential impact of the administration and management actions on the covered trail2 7#b7 to develop alternatives or opportunities to avoid or mitigate undesirable impacts of administration and management actions on the covered trail2 and 7#c7 to use trail information to develop plans that achieve the desired management outcome for the covered trail4 7d7 ,protection of property rights 7#a7 ,in general ,if the ,designated ,operational ,partner for a covered trail becomes aware of an allegation of trespass or other infringement or violation of a property right held by the ,federal ,government that adversely affects the identified cultural1 natural1 scenic1 recreational1 or historical resources of the covered trail1 the ,designated ,operational ,partner may submit to the ,secretary concerned and the ,united ,states ,attorney for the ,federal district court in which the alleged violation occurred a written request-- 7,a7 to investigate the allegation2 and 7,b7 to enforce the rights of the ,united ,states by preventing1 reducing1 mitigating1 or remediating the adverse effects of the alleged violation4 7#b7 ,notice 7,a7 ,in general ,a request under paragraph 7#a7 shall include1 to the maximum extent practicable1 detailed information relating to the alleged trespass1 infringement1 or violation1 including-- 7i7 the nature1 location1 duration1 and known identity of any alleged offender2 7ii7 any efforts carried out to address the alleged violation2 7iii7 any impacts of the alleged violation on the applicable covered trail or resources of the covered trail2 and 7iv7 any requested remedy4 7,b7 ,submission requirements ,a request under paragraph 7#a7 shall be-- 7i7 submitted to the ,secretary concerned and appropriate ,united ,states ,attorney by-- 7,i7 electronic means2 or 7,,ii7 delivery to the address on file for official correspondence2 and 7ii7 clearly identified as a ,designated ,operational ,partner ,request for ,redress4 7,c7 ,signatures ,a request under paragraph 7#a7 may be signed by-- 7i7 the applicable ,designated ,operational ,partner2 and 7ii7 any other entity operating under a cooperative or other agreement to support the cooperative management system of the applicable covered trail4 7#c7 ,response 7,a7 ,assessment ,not later than #fj days after the date on which a request is submitted under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,united ,states ,attorney for the ,federal district court in which the applicable alleged trespass1 infringement1 or violation occurred and the ,designated ,operational ,partner an assessment of the alleged violation4 7,b7 ,additional information from ,designated ,operational ,partner ,not later than #cj days after the date on which the ,designated ,operational ,partner receives an assessment under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,designated ,operational ,partner may provide to the ,secretary concerned and the relevant ,united ,states ,attorney additional information relating to the alleged violation4 7,c7 ,response from ,united ,states ,attorney ,not later than #aej days after the date on which a request is submitted to a ,united ,states ,attorney under paragraph 7#a71 or not later than #fj days after the date on which a ,designated ,operational ,partner provides additional information under subparagraph 7,b7 to the ,united ,states ,attorney1 if applicable1 the ,united ,states ,attorney shall submit to the ,secretary concerned and the ,designated ,operational ,partner information regarding whether the ,united ,states ,attorney is pursuing redress for the alleged violation4 7#d7 ,litigation costs ,in issuing any final order in an action brought under this subsection1 the relevant ,federal district court may award to a ,designated ,operational ,partner the costs of litigation 7including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees7 if the ,designated ,operational ,partner is a prevailing or substantially prevailing party in the action1 as the court determines to be appropriate4 7#e7 ,effect ,nothing in this subsection-- 7,a7 limits any cause of action that the ,federal ,government may have under any other law2 7,b7 obligates-- 7i7 a ,designated ,operational ,partner to participate1 or to present claims or defenses1 in any civil action relating to the property rights of the ,federal ,government2 or 7ii7 the ,federal ,government to participate1 or to present claims or defenses1 in any civil action relating to the property rights of the ,designated ,operational ,partner2 or 7,c7 makes-- 7i7 a ,designated ,operational ,partner a necessary party in any action relating to the property rights of the ,federal ,government2 or 7ii7 the ,federal ,government a necessary party in any action relating to the property rights of the ,designated ,operational ,partner4 7e7 ,volunteer services 7#a7 ,considerations ,in establishing and carrying out any policy relating to volunteers for a covered trail1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall consider the volunteer coordination needs and practices of the applicable ,designated ,operational ,partner and associated nongovernmental organizations engaged in the cooperative management of the covered trail through the cooperative management system of the covered trail4 7#b7 ,proactive cooperative management required ,before establishing or modifying a policy described in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 consult with any ,designated ,operational ,partner engaged in operation of a covered trail2 and 7,b7 take into account any considerations required under that paragraph4 7f7 ,land and resource preservation proposed priority lists 7#a7 ,in general ,each ,designated ,operational ,partner shall periodically develop and submit to the ,secretary concerned and the heads of any other appropriate ,federal land management agencies a proposed priority list for land and resource protection for the applicable covered trail4 7#b7 ,applicable law ,a proposed priority list shall be considered to advance the planning and development of the applicable covered trail in accordance with section #b7;c7 of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda7;c774 7#c7 ,contents ,a ,designated ,operational ,partner shall include on a proposed priority list-- 7,a7 the location and current ownership of each parcel of land identified for inclusion in the applicable covered trail2 7,b7 the desired nature of ownership of each parcel of land identified for inclusion in the covered trail1 including as a partial or fee ownership2 7,c7 the name of the owner of each identified parcel of land2 7,d7 a description of the benefit to the covered trail in the preservation of scenic1 recreational1 historical1 natural1 or cultural values for which the covered trail was designated2 and 7,e7 the name of any nongovernmental partner committed to advancing the protection of parcels of land identified on the proposed priority list for inclusion in the covered trail4 7#d7 ,input2 criteria ,in developing a proposed priority list1 a ,designated ,operational ,partner shall-- 7,a7 solicit input from a variety of governmental1 nongovernmental1 ,federal1 and ,state partners1 the scope of which shall be limited to a landscape or physiographic region agreed to by the ,designated ,operational ,partner and the ,secretary concerned2 and 7,b7 establish criteria to prioritize land and resource protection recommendations included on the proposed priority list4 7#e7 ,use of ,federal funds 7,a7 ,in general ,in using ,federal funds to protect land for a covered trail-- 7i7 the ,secretary concerned shall prioritize the use of funds for land identified for ,federal protection in the applicable proposed priority list1 except to the extent that the ,secretary concerned determines1 based on considerations set forth in the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda et seq47 and the comprehensive plan for the covered trail1 and subject to subparagraph 7,b71 that-- 7,i7 a parcel of land included on the proposed priority list should not be prioritized2 or 7,,ii7 a parcel of land not included on the proposed priority list should be prioritized instead of a parcel of land included on the proposed priority list2 and 7ii7 a ,state shall incorporate land identified for ,state protection in the applicable land and resource conservation plan of the ,state1 as appropriate1 in accordance with ,state law4 7,b7 ,notice ,if the ,secretary concerned determines under subparagraph 7,a77i7 that a parcel of land included on the proposed priority list should not be prioritized or that a parcel of land not included on the proposed priority list should be prioritized instead of a parcel of land included on the proposed priority list1 the ,secretary concerned shall submit to the ,designated ,operational ,partner notice of the determination1 including a detailed explanation of the reason for the determination4 7#f7 ,reports ,not less frequently than once every #e years1 the ,secretaries concerned shall submit to ,congress a report that describes any progress or lack of progress of the ,secretaries concerned with respect to advancing land and resource conservation objectives under proposed priority lists4 7#g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to each of the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture such sums as are necessary to carry out planning activities relating to the development or updating of proposed priority lists under this subsection4 7g7 ,other agreements ,the ,secretary concerned may enter into agreements with #a or more entities that are not ,designated ,operational ,partners1 in accordance with the applicable procedures of the ,department of the ,interior or the ,department of ,agriculture1 as applicable1 and consistent with the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda et seq47-- 7#a7 to provide services with respect to a covered trail that are not provided by the ,designated ,operational ,partner2 or 7#b7 to advance partnerships for a covered trail to strengthen volunteer engagement and cooperative management1 consistent with the comprehensive plan for the applicable covered trail4 7h7 ,exemption from ,,faca ,chapter #aj of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall not apply to a ,designated ,operational ,partner or any committee established before1 on1 or after the date of enactment of this ,act for purposes of a cooperative management system4 7i7 ,comprehensive plans 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding subsections 7e7 and 7f7 of section #e of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abdd71 a ,designated ,operational ,partner may accept or reject-- 7,a7 a proposed comprehensive plan for the applicable covered trail2 and 7,b7 any amendments or revisions to the comprehensive plan for the applicable covered trail4 7#b7 ,regulations ,in accordance with section #g7;i7 of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abdf7;i771 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall jointly promulgate regulations establishing procedures for resolving disputes with respect to the rejection of a comprehensive plan under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,report ,if a comprehensive plan rejected by a ,designated ,operational ,partner under paragraph 7#a7 is subsequently submitted to ,congress1 the ,secretary concerned shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that describes the basis for the submission of the rejected comprehensive plan by the ,secretary concerned4 #e4 ,improving covered trail planning and development 7a7 ,visitation assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall identify #a or more methods to assess visitation on covered trails4 7#b7 ,consultation required ,for purposes of identifying methods under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall consult with a variety of land managers and cooperative management partners for covered trails1 including-- 7,a7 in the ,department of ,agriculture1 the ,chief of the ,forest ,service and the ,under ,secretary for ,rural ,development2 7,b7 in the ,department of the ,interior1 representatives from the ,national ,park ,service1 the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 and the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service2 7,c7 representatives from ,state agencies participating in cooperative management systems2 7,d7 representatives from gateway communities and tourism boards that support covered trails1 such as through agency and nongovernmental partnerships2 7,e7 representatives from the ,federal ,highway ,administration2 7,f7 representatives from the ,interagency ,council on the ,national ,trails ,system2 7,g7 ,designated ,operational ,partners2 and 7,h7 other nongovernmental cooperative management partners for covered trails4 7#c7 ,report 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #e years after the date on which methods are identified under paragraph 7#a71 and not less frequently than once every #e years thereafter1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall make available to cooperative management partners of the applicable covered trail and the public a report describing the estimated visitation at each covered trail for the period covered by the report4 7,b7 ,carrying capacity 7i7 ,in general ,the carrying capacity of a covered trail that is subject to subsection 7e7 or 7f7 of section #e of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abdd7 shall be considered to be the desired use conditions of the applicable covered trail1 as determined in accordance with applicable guidelines established by the ,interagency ,council on ,visitor ,use ,management4 7ii7 ,report ,the carrying capacity for a covered trail not described in clause 7i7 shall be determined using the visitation numbers for the applicable covered trail identified by the ,secretary or the ,secretary of ,agriculture in the initial report under subparagraph 7,a74 7#d7 ,monitoring ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 in cooperation with the ,designated ,operational ,partner for a covered trail1 if applicable1 shall1 on an ongoing basis1 monitor-- 7,a7 the number of visitors to1 and the character of visitor use of1 each covered trail1 using the #a or more methods identified under paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 the effectiveness of management actions in achieving and maintaining desired conditions for the covered trail4 7b7 ,economic impact assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and not less frequently than once every #e years thereafter1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall identify #a or more methods to assess the economic impact of covered trails on gateway communities4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in identifying methods under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall1 to the maximum extent practicable-- 7,a7 aggregate and extrapolate economic impact information from existing data1 such as data from land units on which covered trails are located2 7,b7 use ,state and county economic impact information2 7,c7 partner with ,state and local governments2 and 7,d7 leverage the cooperative management systems of the covered trails and local and landscape-wide partnerships to obtain and process relevant information and report any relevant findings4 7c7 ,advancing covered trail planning 7#a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7,a7 the designation of a covered trail is the onset of the long-term development and planning for the covered trail1 rather than the conclusion of those activities2 and 7,b7 the cultivation of partnerships1 the acquisition of land1 including interests in land and land use agreements1 the conduct of accessible and inclusive interpretation1 and the development of recreational facilities1 as appropriate for covered trails1 are needed to advance the purposes of the ,national ,trails ,system ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #abda et seq47 to meet the ever-expanding outdoor recreation needs of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,reports ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 acting jointly1 shall submit to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives-- 7,a7 not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 a report that describes the successes and challenges in developing and planning covered trails2 and 7,b7 not later than #e years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 a report that assesses the desired conditions and use of facilities on each covered trail with respect to-- 7i7 visitor usage of specific segments or sites of the covered trail1 including the extent to which visitors use the covered trail in groups of not fewer than #aj individuals2 7ii7 proposed priority segments or sites for additional facilities or protection of additional land or resources identified by relevant cooperative management partners1 which shall be considered to be included on a proposed priority list for the covered trail if the covered trail has an identified ,designated ,operational ,partner2 and 7iii7 any activities that the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture determine are necessary to advance the development of and planning for the covered trail consistent with the model used for the ,appalachian ,national ,scenic ,trail4 7#c7 ,community engagement ,in preparing the reports under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall consult with-- 7,a7 communities located in the vicinity of the proposed segments and sites described in paragraph 7#b77;,b77ii72 7,b7 federally recognized ,indian ,tribes2 7,c7 any ,federal and ,state agencies that manage land traversed by covered trails2 and 7,d7 ,designated ,operational ,partners and other cooperative management partners of covered trails4 7d7 ,exemption from ,,faca ,chapter #aj of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 shall not apply to any committee established before1 on1 or after the date of enactment of this ,act to carry out activities under this section4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,agriculture for each of fiscal years #bjbe through #bjcj-- 7#a7 such sums as are necessary-- 7,a7 to identify the methods under subsections 7a7 and 7b72 and 7,b7 to prepare the reports required under subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 such sums as are necessary for the acquisition1 construction1 and development of facilities 7including the acquisition of land or interests in land7 for covered trails4