Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act | ChamberLight
Bills · S 1470
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1470MontanaWyoming
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act
INTRO APR 10· LAST ACTION JUL 23
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it aims to complete a major national outdoor asset that has been in progress for decades. If passed, it would provide a clear timeline and dedicated effort to finish the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which currently has disconnected sections. For voters, this means a more accessible and continuous trail for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities, potentially boosting local economies in rural areas along the route through increased tourism.
If it doesn't become law, the trail's completion would likely remain a piecemeal, slower process without a focused federal team or a specific deadline, potentially leaving significant gaps for many more years. This bill brings a concentrated effort to finally connect a vital piece of America's scenic landscape.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to work towards completing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route.
This sets a clear, high-level goal for two key federal departments to finish the trail.
PROVISION 02
Establishes a 10-year deadline from the bill's enactment for the trail to be completed, contingent on available funding.
This provides a specific timeframe for the project, offering a measure of accountability for its progress.
PROVISION 03
Mandates the creation of a joint Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Trail completion team within one year to coordinate the effort.
This ensures a dedicated, inter-agency group is formed to actively manage and facilitate the trail's completion.
PROVISION 04
Requires a comprehensive development plan to be created, identifying trail gaps, opportunities for land purchases from willing sellers, and anticipated costs.
This plan provides a roadmap and detailed strategy for how the trail's missing sections will be connected.
PROVISION 05
Clarifies that the bill does not grant new land acquisition powers (like eminent domain) or prioritize this trail's land acquisition over other projects.
This ensures that private property rights are respected and prevents the trail from overshadowing other federal land initiatives.
This bill matters because it aims to complete a major national outdoor asset that has been in progress for decades. If passed, it would provide a clear timeline and dedicated effort to finish the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which currently has disconnected sections. For voters, this means a more accessible and continuous trail for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities, potentially boosting local economies in rural areas along the route through increased tourism.
If it doesn't become law, the trail's completion would likely remain a piecemeal, slower process without a focused federal team or a specific deadline, potentially leaving significant gaps for many more years. This bill brings a concentrated effort to finally connect a vital piece of America's scenic landscape.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to work towards completing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route.
This sets a clear, high-level goal for two key federal departments to finish the trail.
high
Establishes a 10-year deadline from the bill's enactment for the trail to be completed, contingent on available funding.
This provides a specific timeframe for the project, offering a measure of accountability for its progress.
med
Mandates the creation of a joint Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Trail completion team within one year to coordinate the effort.
This ensures a dedicated, inter-agency group is formed to actively manage and facilitate the trail's completion.
med
Requires a comprehensive development plan to be created, identifying trail gaps, opportunities for land purchases from willing sellers, and anticipated costs.
This plan provides a roadmap and detailed strategy for how the trail's missing sections will be connected.
med
Clarifies that the bill does not grant new land acquisition powers (like eminent domain) or prioritize this trail's land acquisition over other projects.
This ensures that private property rights are respected and prevents the trail from overshadowing other federal land initiatives.
Establishment of the joint Forest Service-Bureau of Land Management Trail completion team
3 years after the date of establishment of the Trail Completion Team
Completion of a comprehensive development plan for the Trail
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Secretary of Agriculture
The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible for farming, food, and forestry.
Secretary of the Interior
The head of the U.S. Department of the Interior, responsible for managing most federal lands and natural resources, including national parks and wildlife refuges.
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
A long-distance hiking trail stretching from Canada to Mexico along the Rocky Mountains, often called the backbone of America.
Forest Service
An agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages national forests and grasslands.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
An agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior that manages public lands, primarily in the western United States.
Appropriations
Money set aside by Congress for a specific purpose, usually provided annually.
Easements
A legal right to use another person's land for a specific limited purpose, such as for a trail, without owning the land itself.
ACTION TIMELINE
8 EVENTS
JUL 23
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
JUL 23
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 477.
CALENDARS
DEC 17, 25
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
COMMITTEE
DEC 17, 25
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.