Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act

Finish and plan the Continental Divide Trail

If enacted, the bill would direct the Agriculture and Interior Departments to seek to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route within 10 years of enactment, subject to available appropriations. The Departments would set up a joint Forest Service–BLM Trail Completion Team within 1 year to work with the Trail administrator, other agencies, states, tribes, landowners, volunteer groups, and nonprofits. The Secretary would finish a comprehensive development plan within 3 years after the Team is established, listing trail gaps, easement opportunities from willing sellers, site plans, and estimated costs. The bill would not give new authority to acquire land beyond current law, including eminent domain, and would not make Trail land buying a higher priority than other authorized acquisitions.