Continental Divide Trail Completion Act

Continental Divide Trail Completion Act

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail by November 10, 2028.

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 submit to specified congressional committees a comprehensive development plan for the trail.

Bill 118 hr 1317, also known as the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to designate certain federal lands along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) as protected wilderness areas. The CDT is a long-distance hiking trail that spans over 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico, following the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains.

The bill aims to complete the CDT by protecting the remaining segments of the trail that are not currently designated as wilderness areas. This designation would help preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the trail, ensuring that future generations can enjoy this iconic outdoor recreation destination.

In addition to designating new wilderness areas along the CDT, the bill also includes provisions for the management and maintenance of the trail. This includes funding for trail maintenance, signage, and other necessary infrastructure to ensure the trail remains accessible and well-maintained for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act seeks to protect and preserve the Continental Divide Trail for future generations, while also promoting outdoor recreation and tourism in the surrounding areas. It is an important piece of legislation that aims to balance conservation and recreation interests in the Rocky Mountains region.