H.R. 10136 — Crossett Experimental Forest Act of 2026, as amended
Executive Summary
H.R. 10136 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Crossett Experimental Forest to the State of Arkansas without consideration, provided the state requests it within 180 days of enactment. The bill mandates that Arkansas designate the land as a State Forest and continue its historic mission of forest research and education in coordination with the University of Arkansas system. It includes a reversionary clause ensuring the land returns to the federal government if the state fails to meet these conditions, effectively shifting management costs to the state while preserving the site's research utility.
Arguments For
- Reduces federal land management backlog and administrative costs by transferring ownership to a willing state partner.
- Ensures the continuation of vital forestry research and education by legally binding the state to coordinate with local universities.
- Provides a clear political win for the Arkansas delegation by expanding state control over local lands and empowering the state university system.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Opponents may argue against giving away federal land 'without consideration' (for free), viewing it as an unnecessary loss of federal assets.
- Environmental and public lands groups might express concern over state-level management standards compared to federal Forest Service regulations.
- Potential administrative friction and data loss during the transfer of decades of complex research archives from the Forest Service to the state.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Requires the USDA to convey the Crossett Experimental Forest to Arkansas via quitclaim deed without consideration.
- Mandates the State pay all conveyance costs, including surveys and administrative fees.
- Requires the State to designate the land as the 'Crossett Experimental State Forest' and use it for research and education.
- Requires coordination with the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
- Includes a reversionary interest allowing the land to revert to the U.S. if the State fails to comply with use requirements and does not correct the failure within 180 days of notice.
- Directs the Forest Service to transfer all relevant research records, study plans, and plot data to the State.
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Verification Guide
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The State must submit a written request for conveyance within 180 days of enactment.
"not later than 180 days after"
The conveyance is made without consideration (free of charge).
"made without consideration;"
The State must coordinate research with the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
"in coordination with the University of"
The federal government retains a reversionary interest if the state fails to correct management issues within 180 days of notice.
"within 180 days after receiving such"