Bill · H.R. 10136· House(119-HR-10136)
Crossett Experimental Forest Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 8/20/2026
- Last activity
- 9/15/2026 — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- Sponsored by
- Bruce Westerman
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Crossett Experimental Forest Act of 2026," directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer the Crossett Experimental Forest to the State of Arkansas. To receive the land, the State must submit a written request within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The transfer involves the Forest, the R.R. Reynolds Research Natural Area, and associated facilities. Upon receiving the land, the State must designate it as the "Crossett State Forest." The State is also required to use the land for specific research and educational purposes.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+5
The bill conveys federal land to the State of Arkansas for state management.
Would students be better off under this?+3
The bill enhances research and educational access for state university students.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+2
The bill facilitates state management of forest land for research and educational purposes.
The opposite
Does this give the federal government more power?-2
The bill retains federal power through a reversionary interest if the state fails to meet conditions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Research and Education Opportunities: The bill requires the State to use the forest for research, education, and demonstration purposes, which includes providing the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture with reasonable access for research and educational purposes (Section 2(f)(2)).
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State Forest Designation: The land will be designated as the "Crossett State Forest," managed under the laws and regulations applicable to Arkansas State forests (Section 2(f)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial Burden on the State: The State of Arkansas is responsible for paying all costs related to the conveyance, including administrative costs and costs for surveys (Section 2(d)).
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Risk of Land Loss: If the Secretary determines the State has failed to manage the forest correctly or use it for the required purposes, the United States may take back the land or the specific portion affected by the failure (Section 2(f)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+3Good For Rural Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2Improves Public Land Management+1Improves Rural Development+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+5Increases Federal Power-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- 9/15/2026
- Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 9/2/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 8/26/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 8/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House