Crossett Experimental Forest Act of 2026

This bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Crossett Experimental Forest , encompassing the R.R. Reynolds Research Natural Area and associated facilities, to the State of Arkansas. The conveyance is contingent upon the State submitting a written request within 180 days of the bill's enactment and will be made without monetary consideration, though the State is responsible for all associated costs, including surveys and administrative fees. Upon transfer, the State must designate the property as the "Crossett State Forest" and manage it in accordance with applicable Arkansas State forest laws. Crucially, the land must be used for forest research, education, and demonstration purposes , consistent with its historic mission, and requires coordination with the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture to ensure reasonable research and educational access. A significant safeguard is the establishment of a reversionary interest for the United States; should the Secretary determine the State has failed to manage or use the Forest as stipulated, a written notice will be issued. If the failure is not corrected within 180 days of receiving such notice, all right, title, and interest in the Forest may, at the Secretary's discretion, revert to the United States. Additionally, the conveyance is explicitly exempted from being considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act and from certain historic preservation requirements.