Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act

# Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to finish the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a long-distance hiking route that stretches across the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. If passed, the bill would require the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to complete the trail within 10 years and create a joint team to oversee the project. The Agriculture Department would also need to develop a comprehensive plan for the trail within three years. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects outdoor recreation enthusiasts, hikers, and communities in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming—states the trail passes through.

It encourages the federal agencies to partner with volunteer groups and nonprofit organizations to help build and maintain the trail. The legislation essentially sets deadlines and establishes a formal structure for finishing sections of the trail that currently remain incomplete. **Current Status** The bill (S 1470) was introduced by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Like many bills, it may face consideration in the coming months, but its passage is not guaranteed.