Legislation to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail was introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate
GOLDEN, CO (March 1, 2023) — Today, the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act received a bicameral reintroduction to the 118th Congress. In the U.S. Senate, Senator Heinrich (New Mexico) and Senator Daines (Montana) led the reintroduction, while in the House of Representatives, Congressman Neguse (Colorado) alongside Congresswoman Leger Fernandez and Congresswoman Stansburry led reintroduction in that chamber. The legislation will help support agencies, partners, and local communities to coordinate the stewardship of lands where gaps still exist along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT), prioritizing completion by the trail’s 50th anniversary in 2028.
“As the Continental Divide Trail Coalition enters its second decade of stewardship of the CDT, we could not be more grateful for the leadership of members of Congress in recognizing this important piece of the CDT Experience” says Teresa Martinez (she/her/ella), Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC). “This legislation demonstrates that along the Divide, the CDT is a common ground that has the ability to unify and inspire a shared vision for the future, even despite the many challenges we face in current times and many differing opinions on the solutions. By filling in the gap sections, the CDT will not only become a safer and more accessible experience for all trail travelers, but this mandate for completion will also help to ensure that the original promise made by Congress 44 years ago, of a continuous footpath offering a remote, natural experience from Mexico to Canada along the Divide, becomes a reality.”
After over four decades of dedicated stewardship from agencies, communities, partners, and volunteers, approximately 160 miles of the 3,100 mile-long CDT remain incomplete in the trail states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Many of these gaps are sections of the trail where recreationists enjoying the trail are diverted onto roads and busy highways, which are not safe or enjoyable for trail travelers or motorists. In a 2022 survey of businesses in CDT communities, one of the top priorities of business owners was the completion and connectivity of the trail. Among prospective projects for land managers and partner agencies, this legislation will encourage prioritization of these gap sections, and it will ensure coordination and collaboration are emphasized between communities, private landowners, and local leaders, who are all crucial to the successful stewardship of the Continental Divide and the CDT.
“As a connected and continuous trail the Continental Divide Trail is more than just a wilderness path for me; it is an opportunity to be part of the enduring story of all those who have gone before and those may yet come, to connect with the land and people,” says Amiththan Sebarajah (he/him), member of CDTC Board of Directors. “The CDT Completion Act will help to make sure that more people can enjoy and connect to this landscape, and be a part of that story.”
A vital economic and cultural resource for rural Rocky Mountain communities, once completed, the trail will provide a 3,100-mile greenway corridor connecting 5 states, 20 National Forests, 25 Wilderness Areas, 3 National Parks, 2 National Monuments, and 20 CDT Gateway Communities.
# # #
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.
Full List of CDT Completion Act Endorsements.
QUOTES OF SUPPORT:
Randy Rasmussen, Backcountry Horsemen of America:
For decades, trail enthusiasts who enjoy travel via horse and mule have long been integral to the protection, construction and maintenance of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. We applaud this visionary bill to complete the trail and further enhance the world-class experience of all who traverse the CDT.
Olivia Juarez, GreenLatinos
The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act addresses the interpretation, access, and conservation issues that have disproportionately burdened vulnerable communities such as Indigenous peoples, Hispanics, and Latino/a/es. GreenLatinos is proud to support this bill which will improve public safety and placemaking for peoples who have long been in relationship with the Continental Divide for many generations. The completion of the trail is essential so more of America’s stories are well represented on public lands, and so more people can benefit from the public health assets that the Continental Divide Trail offers.
Gina Evans, Linked Adventures (Butte, MT):
Each person’s own experience while on the CDT allows for a different need. Butte businesses can fill that need by offering a wide range of products and or hospitality. Having a completed trail the full length of CDT will allow Butte businesses a unique opportunity to gain even more customers from all over the World.
Peter Paulin, Sublette County Visitor Center (Pinedale, WY):
Completion of the CDT would mean a lot, not only for those who use the trail, but to those communities who benefit from the trail.
Jesse Deubel, New Mexico Wildlife Federation (NM):
The Continental Divide Trail is a tremendous asset to New Mexicans who enjoy hiking it as well as to New Mexicans who welcome all the people from around the world who travel through our state on this magnificent route. The CDT Completion Act will enhance and improve the outdoor recreation experience for all who utilize this iconic trail.
Henry Schelton, Chama Outdoors Club (Chama, NM):
The CDT trail system, and the hikers that are using it are an essential resource for our community. The CDT trail system attracts hundreds of visitors to our community. Our club has taken on the responsibility of maintaining almost 10 miles of the trail system because we believe in supporting outdoor experiences.
# # #
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.
Media Contact:
Audra Labert
Communications Manager
[email protected]
(406) 207-5934
Photos available upon request.
