Lawmakers urge National Scenic Trail designation for Buckeye Trail

Representatives Hoops and Robinson presented sponsor testimony to the Ohio House Natural Resources Committee on House Concurrent Resolution 13, a measure urging Congress and the National Park Service to consider designating the Buckeye Trail as a National Scenic Trail.

Representative Hoops said the Buckeye Trail is a roughly 1,450-mile loop that traverses diverse Ohio landscapes and crosses dozens of counties and house districts. “This resolution … would convey to the National Park Service that the Buckeye Trail meets the evaluation standards for its feasibility study,” Hoops said, describing a forthcoming study that would include existing-conditions analysis, stakeholder outreach and a report to the Secretary of the Interior.

Representative Robinson said designation would enhance public access and conservation and serve as an economic and tourism asset. He also noted bipartisan interest in the idea and predicted strong support when the measure reaches the full House. Sean Logan, introduced by Robinson as a former state representative and proponent in the audience, was acknowledged as helping coordinate the effort.

During questions, Representative Holmes asked whether federal designation brings maintenance support or imposes constraints. Presenters replied designation typically includes federal oversight and some support for maintenance, and they said they were not aware of binding constraints that would limit local volunteer activity. Speakers emphasized the long-running volunteer stewardship of the trail and noted partnerships with state parks and historical organizations in trail upkeep.

The committee held the resolution’s first hearing and did not take a vote. No formal motions or amendments were recorded in the transcript.