Crossett Experimental Forest Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Bruce Westerman

The bill would transfer ownership of the Crossett Experimental Forest from federal to State of Arkansas, with conditions to ensure proper management and conservation.

Introduced in House

Summary of HR 10136 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

The bill authorizes the conveyance (transfer) of the Crossett Experimental Forest from federal ownership to the State of Arkansas.

The underlying aim is to facilitate transfer of title of the Crossett Experimental Forest to Arkansas, with the expectation that the state will hold, manage, and administer the land in accordance with conditions specified in the bill.

Key provisions and changes

Conveyance to state: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer ownership (convey) of the Crossett Experimental Forest from the federal government to the State of Arkansas.

Conditions and assurances: The bill typically would impose conditions on the transfer to ensure proper management, conservation, and compliance with applicable laws. While the exact conditions are not detailed in the provided summary, such transfers commonly include:

Management objectives aligned with conservation and sustainable forestry.
Usage and access provisions for Department of Agriculture-related activities or for public enjoyment, if applicable.
Requirements to regulate or limit activities that could impair the forest's ecological or recreational value.
Provisions for existing obligations, liabilities, or encumbrances to be addressed by the state.

Transfer mechanics: The bill would specify the mechanism by which the Secretary conducts the conveyance (e.g., through a deed or other legal instrument) and any timing requirements.

Related authorities: The transfer would affect federal stewardship of the land and place responsibility for administration, maintenance, and compliance with state authorities.

Affected parties and impact

Federal government: The U.S. Department of Agriculture would cease federal ownership and management of the Crossett Experimental Forest following conveyance.

State of Arkansas: The primary beneficiary and administrator of the land post-transfer. The state would assume ownership and responsibility for management, conservation, and any ongoing programs or research conducted at the forest.

Public and stakeholders: Depending on the accompanying provisions, nearby communities, researchers, and visitors could experience changes in access, management practices, and public use policies under state oversight.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on August 20, 2026.

Sponsor: Co-sponsor Bruce Westerman, signaling bipartisan or House-level support within the sponsor’s caucus.

Next steps: If advanced, the committee would review the bill, potentially amend and vote, with subsequent floor consideration in the House. If passed, the bill would proceed to the Senate (and possibly undergo similar committee review) and, ultimately, to the President for signature or veto.

Notes

The summary above reflects the bill’s stated objective to convey ownership of the Crossett Experimental Forest to Arkansas and customary accompanying conditions typical of federal-to-state land conveyance legislation. The exact text would specify the detailed conditions, encumbrances, and procedural steps governing the transfer.