GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 3, 2020) –We stand in solidarity with the Black community, as well as other people of color, who have been living with and fighting against systemic racism for centuries. We denounce all acts of racism.
The Continental Divide Trail should be a safe space for people of all races, ethnicities, backgrounds, and abilities – a place where all people can access the healing powers of nature. However, we know that public lands have not and do not always offer a safe space to our Black community members and other people of color.
It is vital that all users of our public lands continue to educate ourselves and our communities on how systemic racism creates barriers that can keep Black people and other people of color from accessing and receiving the benefits of nature – and how the public lands system itself has historically propped up systems of oppression. We are still learning and encourage you to learn with us by reading and supporting Black leaders of color in this space. A small sampling of suggestions includes Teresa Baker, founder of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge and the African American Nature & Parks Experience; Carolyn Finney, author of Black Faces, White Spaces; James Mills, founder of the Joy Trip Project; Taishya Adams, an Outdoor Afro Colorado leader and the first Black female Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioner; and Parker McMullen Bushman, founder of EcoInclusive.
We have committed to building justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within our organization, on the trail, and on all public lands. To learn more about our commitment, you can access our 2020-2022 strategic plan via our website, and head to next100colorado.org to learn about the incredible organizations and individuals we partner with to establish a just and inclusive parks and public lands system. We welcome feedback to strengthen this commitment. If you’d like to share your thoughts with us, please get in touch: [email protected].
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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.
