Read the full stored bill text
As Introduced
136th
General Assembly
Regular
Session
H. B. No. 641
2025-2026
Representative Pizzulli
To
require
the Department of Natural Resources to conduct two comprehensive
studies on elk reintroduction and side-by-side trail expansion, to
name this act the Trails and Tails Act, and to make an appropriation.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:
Section
1.
The
Department of Natural Resources' Division of Parks and Watercraft
shall conduct a study to evaluate the creation and expansion of all
purpose vehicle and side-by-side riding opportunities across Ohio.
The Division may conduct the study in consultation with state
universities, local governments, and relevant stakeholders. The
Division shall use Shawnee State Park, East Fork State Park, and Salt
Fork State Park as primary study sites. The study shall include all
of the following:
(A)
A geographic and environmental assessment to identify terrain types
suitable for side-by-side use. The assessment shall include an
environmental impact analysis and assess seasonal weather effects and
trail durability.
(B)
An economic and social impact assessment to estimate the potential
tourism revenue, local business growth, job creation opportunities,
and permit and trail pass revenue potential. Such assessment shall
include a cost-benefit comparison of trail construction, operation,
and maintenance.
(C)
A safety and enforcement analysis. The analysis shall establish
standards for trail width, visibility, and speed limits. Such
analysis also shall evaluate emergency access routes, signage, and
communication coverage. The Division shall coordinate with local law
enforcement to recommend enforcement protocols. In conducting the
analysis, the Division shall review noise, dust, and emissions
standards to ensure environmental compliance with all applicable
laws.
(D)
A public use and conflict management assessment. The assessment shall
include proposals for zoning or temporal separation of uses and
identify designated quiet or wildlife zones adjacent to trail
systems. Such assessment also shall recommend seasonal or rotating
trail closures to protect sensitive habitats. In conducting the
assessment, the Division shall survey trail users for input.
(E)
An economic development and tourism integration assessment that
includes statewide economic modeling of projected tourism and tax
impacts. The assessment shall include developments for branding
opportunities, assess potential for interstate trail connections and
integrated tourism corridors, and evaluate partnerships with local
tourism bureaus, chambers of commerce, and private outfitters.
(F)
An infrastructure and funding assessment to provide cost estimates
for trail construction and grading; parking and staging areas;
signage, safety, and wayfinding systems; wildlife fencing and
protecting features; and visitor education kiosks and interpretive
displays. In conducting the assessment, the Division shall explore
federal and private funding opportunities, including the U.S.
Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration's
Recreational Trails Program and the Appalachian Regional Commission's
grants and funding opportunities. Such assessment also shall evaluate
the Division's capacity for ongoing maintenance and collaboration
with volunteer trail clubs.
Section
2.
The
Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife shall conduct a
study to evaluate the feasibility of reintroducing elk into Ohio's
state forests and wildlife areas. The Division may conduct the study
in consultation with state universities, local governments, and
relevant stakeholders. The study shall include all of the following:
(A)
A habitat suitability assessment to identify candidate zones based on
size, vegetation, forage, shelter, and water access. Such assessment
shall utilize geographic information system mapping of public and
adjacent private lands to evaluate habitat connectivity. The
assessment also shall assess human proximity to a proposed habitat
and identify natural and man-made migration barriers.
(B)
An ecological impact assessment to evaluate potential effects on
biodiversity, native vegetation, and species interactions. Such
assessment shall assess potential soil, forest, and water impacts
from elk movement and grazing. The assessment also shall analyze the
risk of crop damage and mitigation strategies and determine
compatibility with existing wildlife management zones and deer
hunting practices.
(C)
A risk analysis for chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis, and
other transmissible diseases. The analysis shall include veterinary
health screening and quarantine procedures for any translocated elk.
The Division shall coordinate its findings with the Ohio Department
of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service.
(D)
A source population and logistics analysis to identify donor states,
analyze transportation methods, mortality risks, and relocation
costs, and to evaluate genetic suitability, appropriate transfer
seasons, and acclimation procedures.
(E)
A management and monitoring analysis to model regional carrying
capacity and long-term population growth. The analysis shall include
proposals for management strategies, including potential limited
hunting seasons. Such analysis also shall develop annual monitoring,
collar-tracking, and public reporting procedures.
(F)
A fiscal and economic evaluation to estimate the costs to the state
and potential return on investment through license sales, tourism,
and related tax revenues. The evaluation also shall include cost
estimates for wildlife fencing and protection features and visitor
education kiosks and interpretive displays. In determining the cost
estimates, the Division shall explore federal and private funding
opportunities, such as the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration
Fund. The Division may collaborate with state universities, including
The Ohio State University and Shawnee State University, for
ecological and tourism impact research.
Section
3.
(A)
In conducting the studies described in Sections 1 and 2 of this act,
the Division of Parks and Watercraft and the Division of Wildlife, as
applicable, shall require at least one public meeting for the
presentation of study goals and collection of feedback. Prior to
final submission of each study, the Divisions shall provide for a
formal public comment period on the draft report. The Divisions shall
solicit written input from all of the following:
(1)
County commissioners;
(2)
Farm bureaus;
(3)
Local tourism boards;
(4)
All-purpose vehicle associations;
(5)
Wildlife conservation organizations; and
(6)
Hunting and angling groups.
(B)
The Department of Natural Resources shall submit a comprehensive
report of the studies described in Sections 1 and 2 of this act to
the General Assembly and the Governor not later than December 30,
2028. The report shall, at a minimum, include all of the following:
(1)
Maps of candidate areas for elk reintroduction and side-by-side
trails;
(2)
Economic and environmental assessments;
(3)
Cost estimates and funding strategies;
(4)
Stakeholder feedback summary; and
(5)
Legislative and rulemaking recommendations.
Section
4.
All
items in this act are hereby appropriated as designated out of any
moneys in the state treasury to the credit of the designated fund.
For all operating appropriations made in this act, those in the first
column are for fiscal year 2026 and those in the second column are
for fiscal year 2027. The operating appropriations made in this act
are in addition to any other operating appropriations made for these
fiscal years.
1
2
3
4
5
A
DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES
B
General
Revenue Fund
C
GRF
725520
Special
Projects
$3,000,000
$0
D
GRF
General Revenue Fund Total
$3,000,000
$0
E
TOTAL
ALL BUDGET FUND GROUPS
$3,000,000
$0
SPECIAL
PROJECTS
Of
the forgoing appropriation item 725520, Special Projects, $2,000,000
shall be used to conduct a study to evaluate the creation and
expansion of all purpose vehicle and side-by-side riding
opportunities across Ohio under section 1 of this act.
Of
the forgoing appropriation item 725520, Special Projects, $1,000,000
shall be use to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of
reintroducing elk into Ohio's state forests and wildlife areas under
section 2 of this act.
An
amount equal to the unexpended, unencumbered balance earmarked for
the aforementioned studies remaining in appropriation item 725520,
Special Projects, at the end of fiscal year 2026 is hereby
reappropriated for the same purposes in fiscal year 2027.
Section
5.
Within
the limits set forth in this act, the Director of Budget and
Management shall establish accounts indicating the source and amount
of funds for each appropriation made in this act, and shall determine
the manner in which appropriation accounts shall be maintained.
Expenditures from operating appropriations contained in this act
shall be accounted for as though made in, and are subject to all
applicable provisions of, H.B. 96 of the 136th General Assembly.
Section
6.
This
act shall be known as the Trails and Tails Act.