Technical corrections only. The diff between v1 and v2 reflects the bill's progression through the Senate, including additional co-sponsors and reporting information, but contains no changes to the substantive legislative text. No policy changes were made between these versions.
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 23, 2026
Bottom line
The bill sets a 10-year target for completing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, emphasizing inter-agency coordination and voluntary land acquisition while clarifying no new eminent domain powers are granted.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to prioritize and seek to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route within 10 years, subject to appropriations. It establishes a joint Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Trail Completion Team to facilitate this goal and develop a comprehensive development plan. The plan will identify gaps, opportunities for easements from willing sellers, and anticipated costs, while explicitly stating that the Act does not grant new eminent domain authority or prioritize Trail land acquisition over other authorizations.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that completing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail will enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, promote conservation, and boost local economies along its route. They contend that establishing a dedicated team and a comprehensive plan will streamline efforts, overcome existing hurdles, and ensure the efficient use of resources to finish this nationally significant trail, fulfilling a long-standing vision for public lands.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the feasibility of the 10-year timeline given the 'subject to appropriations' clause and the explicit limitation on new land acquisition authorities, suggesting it could lead to delays or incomplete sections. Some may also question the allocation of federal resources to this project over other pressing conservation or infrastructure needs, particularly if significant costs are incurred without clear, dedicated funding.
The bill is very short and clearly written, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its provisions.
Section 3
Mandate for Trail Completion
This section requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to work towards completing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route within 10 years of the bill's enactment. This goal is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds, meaning its progress depends on future funding decisions by Congress.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that setting a clear 10-year deadline provides necessary impetus and accountability for federal agencies to complete this important national scenic trail, ensuring its full recreational and conservation potential is realized for the public.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that making the completion 'subject to the availability of appropriations' renders the 10-year deadline aspirational rather than a firm commitment, potentially leading to delays if funding is not consistently provided.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the ambitious goal of completing a major national trail within a decade against the practical reality of relying on future appropriations, which can be uncertain.
Section 4
Establishment of Joint Trail Completion Team
This section mandates the creation of a joint team, composed of representatives from the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, within one year of the bill's enactment. This team is tasked with coordinating with the Trail administrator to facilitate completion and optimization of the Trail and assist in developing a comprehensive development plan. The team is also required to consult with various stakeholders, including federal agencies, state, Tribal, and local governments, landowners, and other interested parties.
Section 5
Comprehensive Development Plan for the Trail
This section requires the Secretary of Agriculture to complete a comprehensive development plan for the Trail within three years after the Trail Completion Team is established. The plan must identify any remaining gaps in the Trail where land has not been acquired, explore opportunities to use easements from willing sellers to complete the Trail, and include both general and site-specific development plans along with their anticipated costs.
Section 7
Limitations on Land Acquisition Authority
This section explicitly clarifies that the Act does not grant any new authority for acquiring land or interests in land for the Trail beyond what is already provided in the National Trails System Act. Crucially, it states that this includes no new eminent domain authority. Furthermore, it specifies that land acquisition for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is not to be prioritized over other existing land acquisition authorizations.
Clarifies that the Act does not provide new authority to acquire land or interests in land for the Trail beyond existing National Trails System Act authorities, including eminent domain, and does not make Trail land acquisition a priority over other authorizations.
Section 7
Why it matters:Likely included to address potential concerns from landowners or other stakeholders about federal overreach or changes in land acquisition policy, ensuring the bill's scope is clearly defined. This is standard legislative practice to clarify intent and limit unintended consequences.
Case for: Supporters argue this provision is essential to protect private property rights and ensure the completion of the Trail proceeds through voluntary means and existing frameworks, fostering trust with local communities and landowners.
Case against: Critics might argue that by explicitly disallowing new eminent domain authority or prioritization, the bill could inadvertently slow down the completion of the Trail, especially in areas where willing sellers are scarce or land acquisition is complex.
Estimated impact: This provision significantly impacts the methods and pace of land acquisition for the Trail, ensuring it relies on voluntary transactions and existing legal frameworks, potentially affecting the 10-year completion timeline.