This legislation mandates that the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior prioritize the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route within 10 years of the Act's enactment, subject to appropriations. To achieve this, the bill requires the establishment of a joint Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Trail Completion Team within one year. This team will work in coordination with the Trail administrator to facilitate the trail's completion and optimization, as well as assist in developing a comprehensive development plan. The Act further requires the Secretary of Agriculture to complete a comprehensive development plan for the Trail within three years of the team's establishment. This plan must identify any unacquired gaps, opportunities for easements from willing sellers, and include general and site-specific development plans with anticipated costs. The Trail Completion Team is also directed to consult with various stakeholders, including federal agencies, tribal governments, and landowners, during the completion process and plan development. Additionally, the Secretaries are encouraged to seek partnerships with volunteer and nonprofit organizations for the Trail's administration, though the Act explicitly states it does not grant new land acquisition authority or prioritize trail land acquisition over other authorizations.
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Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act
USA119th CongressS-1470| Senate
| Updated: 12/17/2025
This legislation mandates that the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior prioritize the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route within 10 years of the Act's enactment, subject to appropriations. To achieve this, the bill requires the establishment of a joint Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Trail Completion Team within one year. This team will work in coordination with the Trail administrator to facilitate the trail's completion and optimization, as well as assist in developing a comprehensive development plan. The Act further requires the Secretary of Agriculture to complete a comprehensive development plan for the Trail within three years of the team's establishment. This plan must identify any unacquired gaps, opportunities for easements from willing sellers, and include general and site-specific development plans with anticipated costs. The Trail Completion Team is also directed to consult with various stakeholders, including federal agencies, tribal governments, and landowners, during the completion process and plan development. Additionally, the Secretaries are encouraged to seek partnerships with volunteer and nonprofit organizations for the Trail's administration, though the Act explicitly states it does not grant new land acquisition authority or prioritize trail land acquisition over other authorizations.
ColoradoCongressional oversightGeography and mappingIdahoLand transfersLand use and conservationMontanaNew MexicoOutdoor recreationParks, recreation areas, trailsWyoming