GOLDEN, CO (Jan. 14 2021) — Black, Indigenous, and leaders of color from states and organizations across the country came together to create a national outdoor equity initiative, titled the Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E., which seeks to ensure increased accessibility to public lands for underserved youth and communities of color.
U.S Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M), welcomed the initiative, which follows the groundbreaking example of outdoor equity programs in New Mexico and California that have provided resources and new experiences in the outdoors for underserved youth in those states. The racially and ethnically diverse leaders who shaped these initiatives have provided a national framework to change the face of our outdoor spaces, which will soon be introduced to Congress by Senator Heinrich.
“Creating equitable outdoor access for all, regardless of where you come from or what you look like, is fundamental to the future of our nation’s public lands,” said Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of CDTC. “When these efforts are driven by Black, Indigenous and People of Color leaders, not only does it look different and feel different, it is different. It ensures that our communities and our people are represented and included, and that we will be able to share in and experience our natural places, and not just in the backcountry, but places close to home.”
Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. is historic legislation that seeks to address the systemic inequities that exist in this country, specifically access to natural wonders and lands that are often harder to access for communities of color. As a 3,100 mile trail that traverses five states and dozens of trail communities, the CDTC is passionate about this initiative to provide youth all along the trail with the opportunity to enjoy these remarkable places that we cherish. Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. ensures that underserved youth and communities of color are able to engage in recreational and educational opportunities like those along the Continental Divide that not only provide opportunities to have fun, but also opportunities to learn, heal, and build careers.
“As a more diverse outdoor community is supported, encouraged, and able to access nature, we build relationships to these places, and build them with our friends, families, and communities as a whole. And not only is that just good for all of our souls, it helps make sure there is a whole new generation of future stewards and lovers of these places — for years to come,” said Executive Director Teresa Martinez.
To sign-up for updates on Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. and to find more information, visit www.outdoorfuture.org.
About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
