The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail — a 3,100-mile hiking route stretching from Montana to New Mexico — has never been fully completed. This bill directs the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to finish it within 10 years by establishing a dedicated Trail Completion Team, developing a comprehensive plan that identifies gaps and cost estimates, and partnering with volunteer and nonprofit organizations. The bill doesn't create any new power to take private land through eminent domain — trail connections would come through easements from willing sellers and existing authorities.
Congressional Summary
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion ActThis bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to seek to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail no later than 10 years after the enactment of this bill.USDA and Interior must establish a joint Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management trail completion team to work in coordination with the administrator of the trail to facilitate its completion and optimization.USDA must complete a comprehensive development plan for the trail within three years.USDA and Interior must also seek to enter into agreements with volunteer and nonprofit organizations to facilitate the completion and administration of the trail.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-04-10
- Date Added
- 2026-03-30