Why It Matters

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy faces a critical policy challenge as federal hostility threatens decades of trail funding progress. The Trump administration has begun rescinding previously awarded trail and pedestrian grants, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy characterizing bike infrastructure as "hostile to motor vehicles." House Transportation Committee Chair Sam Graves has vowed to eliminate all federal funding for bike paths in the next surface transportation bill.

Meanwhile, H.R. 4924, the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act, would impose new approval and compensation requirements on trail sponsors, creating regulatory obstacles to rail-to-trail conversions. The Conservancy’s strategy capitalizes on genuine bipartisan local demand for trails—members across parties regularly announce trail funding for their districts—while defending against ideological opposition from the administration.

By the Numbers

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy spent $99,251 on in-house lobbying during the third quarter. Registered lobbyist Marianne Wesley Fowler handled the filing, representing the Conservancy since April 2004.

The organization has filed 75 in-house lobbying disclosures totaling over $2 million since 2004, representing the bulk of its $2.5 million total lobbying expenditure. The Conservancy has strategically supplemented internal efforts with external firms, including Summit Strategies Government Affairs LLC ($155,000 from 2015-2024), Daschle Group LLC ($103,000 in 2024-2025), and Fiorentino Group LLC ($70,000 in 2024-2025).

The Agenda

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is lobbying on specific trail and active transportation legislation. The organization supports S.811 – RTP Full Funding Act of 2025, which would ensure the Recreational Trails Program receives adequate federal funding.

Simultaneously, the Conservancy opposes H.R.4924 – Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act, which would require trail sponsors to obtain property owner approval and provide compensation during rail-to-trail conversions. The organization’s advocacy centers on securing robust federal funding for trail development and protecting the railbanking process from regulatory restrictions.

Broader Context

Congressional support for trail funding remains split along ideological lines. The bipartisan RTP Full Funding Act (S.811) seeks to boost recreational trails funding, while H.R. 4924 threatens to impose new regulatory burdens on rail-to-trail conversions.

Members continue celebrating local trail victories—Senators Schumer and Gillibrand announced $3.9 million for the Central New York Peace Trail, while Representative Jimmy Panetta secured $19.5 million for the Santa Cruz Coastal Rail Trail. The Conservancy operates within a broader coalition including the Trust for Public Land and PeopleForBikes Coalition, advancing active transportation infrastructure during heightened political volatility.

Between The Lines

Congressional activity reflects deep political divisions alongside surprising local bipartisan support. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Jim Risch introduced the RTP Full Funding Act (S.811), seeking to boost Recreational Trails Program funding aligned with fuel taxes from recreational vehicle users.

However, Rep. Garret Graves reintroduced the Rails to Trails Landowner Rights Act (H.R. 4924), which would require trail sponsors to notify adjacent property owners, obtain approval, and provide fair market compensation before conversions—a major regulatory obstacle to the Conservancy’s mission.

Members actively engage constituents on trails themselves. Senator Bernie Sanders hosted community events on Vermont’s Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, while Representative Rick Larsen met with local leaders on Washington’s Scriber Creek Trail to discuss transportation funding.

Competitive Landscape

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy operates within a coalition advocating for trails and active transportation infrastructure. The Trust for Public Land lobbies on conservation including active transportation, while PeopleForBikes Coalition Ltd. directly complements the Conservancy’s work with Q2 2025 advocacy focused on bicycle infrastructure and trail connectivity. The Motorcycle Industry Council Inc. supports the Recreational Trails Program from a motorized recreation perspective.

The Bottom Line

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy spent $99,251 lobbying in the third quarter on trail funding and rail-to-trail conversion policy. The organization faces a complex legislative environment featuring bipartisan local support alongside significant federal obstacles. House Transportation Chair Sam Graves opposes federal active transportation funding, while the Trump administration has canceled previously awarded grants for pedestrian and trail projects. The sustained lobbying effort reflects the organization’s need to defend existing programs while capitalizing on genuine local demand for trail infrastructure.

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