Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced by Rep. Neguse, directs the government to finish the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail within 10 years. This 3,100-mile trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, but it currently has many gaps that force hikers and travelers onto busy roads or around private property.
• To get the job done, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management would form a special 'Trail Completion Team.' This team would be responsible for finding ways to connect the broken sections of the trail into one long, unbroken path for the public to enjoy.
• The plan relies on 'willing sellers,' meaning the government would buy land or trail rights only from people who want to sell. The bill makes it clear that the government cannot use 'eminent domain' to take private land for the trail against an owner's wishes.
• Within four years, officials must release a full report showing exactly where the gaps are and how much it will cost to fix them. They would also partner with local communities, Tribal leaders, and volunteer groups to help build and take care of the trail.

Impact Analysis

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