SB 487
West Virginia Trails, Access, and Stewardship Act
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill establishes the West Virginia Trails, Access, and Stewardship Act to create a statewide system of interconnected non-motorized trails. It creates the West Virginia Trail Authority, defines statewide trail system standards, addresses wildlife and flood management, and establishes a dedicated funding source for trail maintenance and stewardship. The bill also clarifies property rights, easements, and establishes a limited eminent domain authority for public safety needs and includes provisions for whitewater outfitting regulations.
Key provisions
- Creates the West Virginia Trail Authority to oversee trail development and management.
- Establishes statewide trail system standards, including difficulty ratings and signage requirements.
- Creates a West Virginia Trail Maintenance and Stewardship Fund, funded through lodging taxes and voluntary fees.
- Defines property rights and easements for trail corridors crossing private lands.
- Addresses wildlife and flood management concerns along trail corridors.
- Includes a limited eminent domain authority for public safety needs.
- Protects whitewater outfitting regulations.
- Establishes a process for establishing and maintaining multi-purpose trail segments.
Who is affected
- Outdoor recreation enthusiasts
- West Virginia residents and visitors
- Landowners and property managers
- County and municipal governments
- State agencies (Department of Tourism, Division of Natural Resources, etc.)
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