Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that addresses the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which extends from the Montana-Canada border to the New Mexico-Mexico border.

Highlights:

• Requires that by November 10, 2028, the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior ensure the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a contiguous route (Division A, Title I, Sec. 3).

• Requires the Forest Service, in coordination with the Department of Interior, establish a joint Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management trail completion team to work in coordination with the trails administrator to facilitate the completion and optimization of the trail (Division A, Title I, Sec. 122).

• Requires the Forest Service to submit a comprehensive acquisition and development plan to Congress no later than 2 years after the establishment of the aforementioned team, that covers the following, including (Division A, Title I, Sec. 122):

• Identifying any gaps in the trail where the Forest Service and Interior have not been able to acquire land or interests in land by purchase from a willing seller, by donation, by exchange, or by cooperative agreements;

• A plan for closing such gaps by acquiring lands or interest in land; and

• A general and site-specific development plans, including anticipated costs.

• Requires the Forest Service and Interior to acquire land only by purchase from a willing seller with donated or appropriated funds, donation, or exchange, and prohibits the acquisition of lands via eminent domain (Division A, Title I, Sec. 3).

• Appropriates various amounts of funds for multiple federal drought and wildfire control measures, costs, and expenses (Division A, Title I, Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text