Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act
Key claim: The bill directs USDA and the Interior Department to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail within 10 years through a joint Forest Service–BLM completion team, a USDA comprehensive development plan within three years, and agreements with volunteer and nonprofit organizations.
Abstract
(S1470 · 119th Congress) Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to seek to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail no later than 10 years after the enactment of this bill. USDA and Interior must establish a joint Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management trail completion team to work in coordination with the administrator of the trail to facilitate its completion and optimization. USDA must complete a comprehensive development plan for the trail within three years. USDA and Interior must also seek to enter into agreements with volunteer and nonprofit organizations to facilitate the completion and administration of the trail. Latest action (2026-07-23): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 477.
Why this matters
The Continental Divide Trail crosses Forest Service and BLM lands across five western states, and its ~95% completion has stalled on remaining road-walk segments requiring easements and construction. A statutory deadline plus interagency completion team would clarify USDA’s rural recreation obligations and could affect adjacent grazing permittees, private landowners negotiating easements, and rural gateway communities that depend on trail tourism. Framed neutrally, the bill is an incremental administrative mandate rather than a new land-use regime.