Sponsors (3)
The bill clarifies agency roles and promotes coordinated, largely voluntary completion of the Continental Divide Trail to deliver recreation, conservation, and local economic benefits, but it risks added federal costs, potential delays without funding, and conflicts over private‑land use and interagency flexibility.
Federal land managers (Forest Service and BLM) and agency leaders get clearer roles and coordinated planning authority to direct work on completing the Continental Divide Trail, reducing administrative confusion and speeding some decisions.
Rural and nearby communities can gain more tourism and outdoor recreation spending as a continuous, well-planned long-distance trail attracts hikers and visitors over time.
Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nearby residents receive improved recreational access and health benefits from a continuous, maintained trail corridor across public lands.
Taxpayers and federal budgets could face increased costs — for planning, acquisitions, construction, and long‑term maintenance — if Congress funds the 10‑year completion goal or related implementation actions.
Without guaranteed appropriations or binding deadlines, the 10‑year completion objective and related projects may be delayed or only partially completed, producing uncertain outcomes for communities and trail users.
Trail completion and easement negotiations could restrict existing land uses and lead to conflicts with private landowners or local users when routes, access, or property rights are changed.
Based on analysis of 7 sections of legislative text.
Directs Forest Service and Interior to form a joint team and complete a plan to finish the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route within 10 years, using easements and partnerships.
Introduced April 10, 2025 by Joseph Neguse · Last progress April 10, 2025
Directs the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to form a joint Trail Completion Team and to pursue completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route within 10 years, subject to available appropriations. The agencies must form the team within 1 year, produce a comprehensive development plan within 3 years that identifies gaps, easement opportunities, site plans, and cost estimates, and seek partnerships with volunteers and nonprofits to help complete and manage the trail. Does not authorize new land-acquisition powers beyond existing law (including eminent domain), does not create or provide new funding, and makes completion contingent on future appropriations and existing authorities under the National Trails System Act.