Bill > S1470

This bill aims to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) within 10 years by establishing a joint Trail Completion Team composed of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management representatives. The team will work to facilitate the trail's completion and development, consulting with federal agencies, state and local governments, tribal authorities, landowners, and other stakeholders. Within three years of the team's establishment, the Secretary of Agriculture must develop a comprehensive development plan that identifies gaps in the trail route, explores opportunities to acquire easements from willing sellers, and includes detailed trail development plans with cost estimates. The bill also encourages the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to partner with volunteer and nonprofit organizations to help complete and manage the trail. Importantly, the bill does not grant any new land acquisition authorities beyond those already existing in the National Trails System Act and does not prioritize trail land acquisition over other existing land acquisition efforts. The goal is to optimize and complete the CDNST as a continuous route while respecting existing land ownership and acquisition constraints.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1470/all-info