The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act of 2025

This bill aims to require the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to prioritize the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

It was introduced in the Senate on April 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as "Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act".

Section 2: Definitions

In this Act:

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.

The term “Trail” means the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

The term “Trail Completion Team” means the joint Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Trail completion team established under section 4(a).

Section 3: Completion of Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior shall seek to complete the Trail as a continuous route not later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act.

This is within 1013 years from the date of its enactment.

Section 4: Trail Completion Team

(a) In general — Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a joint Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Trail completion team to work in coordination with the administrator of the Trail — (1) to facilitate the completion and optimization of the Trail, consistent with the purposes of the Trail; and (2) to assist in the development of the comprehensive development plan for the Trail under section 5.

(b) Consultation — As appropriate, the Trail Completion Team shall consult with other Federal agencies, affected State, Tribal, and local governments, landowners, affected land-grant owners and users, and other stakeholders.

Section 6: Partnerships

The Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior shall seek to enter into agreements with volunteer and nonprofit organizations, as appropriate, to facilitate the completion and administration of the Trail.

Section 7: Effect

Nothing in this Act — (1) provides any authority to acquire land or interests in land for inclusion in the Trail beyond the authorities provided for the Trail in the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.), including acquisition by eminent domain; or (2) makes the acquisition of land or interests in land for the Trail a priority over other land acquisition authorizations.

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