Sponsors (4)
The bill aims to complete and better manage the Continental Divide Trail—potentially boosting recreation and local economies and increasing local input—while leaving actual progress and costs uncertain because of funding limits, constrained federal acquisition tools, and possible landowner‑rights tensions.
Hikers, outdoor recreationists, and nearby rural communities gain a continuous, better‑managed Continental Divide Trail — improving long‑distance trail access, local recreation opportunities, and tourism if the coordinated completion effort succeeds.
Local economies and small businesses along the route stand to gain increased visitor spending and tourism, while cost‑saving tools (easements from willing sellers, volunteer support) can lower public costs of completing and maintaining the Trail.
State, Tribal, and local governments and landowners get formal consultation rights and a federal Trail Completion Team to coordinate agencies and streamline planning, increasing local input and reducing duplicative interagency work.
Completion and public access depend on future appropriations and identified funding needs, so the Trail could be delayed, completed unevenly, or stall if Congress or agencies do not provide sufficient funds.
Private landowners near the route may face increased pressure to sell easements or land and may experience new land‑use conflicts or restrictions related to routing and Trail access.
Creating and operating the federal Trail Team, preparing site‑specific plans, and funding construction/maintenance will create administrative and program costs that could increase demands on taxpayers or require trade‑offs in federal budgets.
Based on analysis of 7 sections of legislative text.
Directs USDA and DOI to form a joint Trail Completion Team, produce a comprehensive plan, and seek completion of the Continental Divide Trail within 10 years, subject to appropriations.
Official title: Require the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to prioritize the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 10, 2025 by Martin Heinrich · Last progress April 10, 2025
Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to seek completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route within 10 years, subject to available appropriations. Establishes a joint Forest Service–BLM Trail Completion Team to consult with Federal, Tribal, State, local partners, landowners, and nonprofits; requires a comprehensive development plan identifying trail gaps, easement opportunities, site plans, and cost estimates; encourages partnerships with volunteer and nonprofit organizations without creating new authorities or funding.