H.R 5891
Section-by-Section Review
Section 1. Findings.
This section notes that the Big Thicket National Preserve was created by Congress in 1974 as the nation’s first Preserve. Known as the “biological crossroads of America,” the Big Thicket National Preserve is home to numerous animal and plant species. It further states that Congress approved expansion of the Big Thicket in 1993 to increase biological diversity and that the National Park Service has acquired lands from willing sellers or donors nearly reaching the Congressionally authorized boundary of 97,000 acres.
Section 2. Boundary Adjustment.
Section 2 amends the original legislation creating the Big Thicket National Preserve to authorize the National Park Service to accept or purchase up to 100,000 acres near the Preserve only by donation or sale from willing, voluntary sellers.
This section safeguards the rights of private property owners. In addition to the restriction that land must come from willing sellers or donors there is an additional “opt-out” property protection that allows any land owner for any reason to choose not to be included in the proposed expansion by simply submitting a letter to the Secretary of the Interior.
Section 3. Canopy Walks, Elevated Boardwalks, and Associated Interpretation.
Section 3 directs the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate and maintain a series of canopy walks, elevated boardwalks and associated interpretation that will bring visitors into closer contact with the biodiversity of the Big Thicket National Preserve. In order to create more visitor accessibility, the Secretary is permitted to create these opportunities in areas typically inaccessible to most visitors.
Section 4. Big Thicket National Preserve Interpretive Center.
This section directs the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate and maintain a Big Thicket Interpretive Center that is easily accessible from a highly traveled area like Interstate 10 that will serve as a place to educate children, young adults and other visitors about the environment, wildlife and the Big Thicket National Preserve.
Section 5. Canoe and Kayaking Trails.
This section of the bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to construct, operate and maintain a series of water trails that are guided by Global Positioning System (GPS) and have additional platforms for the safe launching and docking of canoes and kayaks.
Section 6. Authorization of Appropriations.
This section notes that the Big Thicket National Preserve was created by Congress in 1974 as the nation’s first Preserve. Known as the “biological crossroads of America,” the Big Thicket National Preserve is home to numerous animal and plant species. It further states that Congress approved expansion of the Big Thicket in 1993 to increase biological diversity and that the National Park Service has acquired lands from willing sellers or donors nearly reaching the Congressionally authorized boundary of 97,000 acres.
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