US Federal Senate Bill SB1470

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/25
• Refer: 4/10/25
• Report Pass: 12/17/25

Caption

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act

Summary

SB 1470, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act, directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to prioritize completing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a continuous route. The bill sets a goal of completing the trail within 10 years of enactment, subject to appropriations, and requires the agencies to establish a joint Forest Service–Bureau of Land Management Trail Completion Team within one year to coordinate completion efforts and help develop a comprehensive development plan. The bill also requires a comprehensive development plan within three years after the team is established. That plan must identify remaining gaps where land has not been acquired, evaluate the use of easements from willing sellers, and include general and site-specific development plans with anticipated costs. In addition, the agencies are encouraged to work with volunteer and nonprofit organizations and to consult with affected federal, state, tribal, and local governments, landowners, land-grant mercedes owners and users, acequias, and other interested parties.

Impact

The bill would add new planning, coordination, and prioritization requirements for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in administering the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, but it does not itself expand federal land acquisition authority. It expressly preserves existing authority under the National Trails System Act and states that nothing in the bill gives new eminent domain power or makes trail land acquisition a priority over other authorized acquisitions. The practical effect would be to accelerate interagency work on trail completion, planning, and partnerships while leaving underlying land acquisition tools unchanged.

Sentiment

The available legislative history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. It was introduced by Senator Heinrich with Senator Daines as a cosponsor, indicating bipartisan support, and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ordered it to be reported without amendment favorably. No committee transcript or recorded votes were provided, but the committee action points to broad agreement on the value of completing the trail and improving coordination among federal land managers and stakeholders.

Contention

The main potential area of contention is land acquisition and property rights. The bill is careful to state that it does not create new authority to acquire land or interests in land, including by eminent domain, and does not elevate trail acquisition above other land acquisition priorities. That language suggests sensitivity to concerns from landowners, land-grant mercedes owners, and local stakeholders who may worry about federal overreach. Another possible issue is the bill’s reliance on appropriations and multi-year planning timelines, which could affect how quickly the trail can actually be completed.