The House Natural Resource committee voted on amendments to the CDT Completion Act in a hearing on January 19th
GOLDEN, CO (January 19, 2021) — Today, amendments to the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act (H.R. 5118), introduced by sponsor Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-2) and co-sponsored by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-3), was heard before the House Committee on Natural Resources.
The legislation directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to create a Trail Completion Team to coordinate identification and prioritization of gap sections by 2028, the 50th anniversary of the CDT’s designation by Congress. The strategy specifically states that eminent domain will not be used to reach the goal of completion, instead relying on the strength of the public-private partnerships along the Divide and dedicated engagement with stakeholders near the gap areas.
“We are excited to see the CDT Completion Act take this important step in the legislative process,” says Teresa Martinez (she/her), Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC). “The CDT Completion Act continues to build on the excitement that the CDT has inspired in recreationists, gateway communities, volunteers, partners, and other outdoor enthusiasts who come to the Divide landscape to explore, learn, and heal in nature. Today’s discussion and vote in the House committee reflects the collaborative efforts that have been the bedrock of the stewardship of the CDT for decades. And CDTC looks forward to working with all members of our trail community, including those in Congress, on making completion of the CDT a reality.”
The dedicated efforts of agency staff, trail organizations, volunteers, Gateway Communities, and other partners have successfully brought the trail to 95% completion, with much progress in the last decade, which can also be attributed to the approval of willing-seller authorization in the 2009 Public Land Omnibus bill and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) in 2020. Currently, in approximately 5% of CDT miles, recreationists enjoying the trail are diverted onto roads or busy highways, which are not safe or enjoyable for trail travelers.
“The CDT Completion Act is an opportunity to support and empower the rural communities of the Divide by making more accessible all the experiences this world-renowned public resource has to offer,” says Luke Fisher (they/them), Trail Policy Manager at CDTC. “Completing the CDT is about more than just the dirt path on the ground, it’s about the holistic benefits the trail has to offer. A completed trail provides benefits like a boost to the outdoor recreation economy that fuels many local economies, more opportunities to be active in the outdoors and increase public health, and a safer, more accessible CDT experience for all those who seek out the wonders of the Divide. We are extremely grateful to leaders like Congressman Neguse and Congresswoman Fernandez who recognize these benefits and the need for completion, and are excited to see support continue to build for this important piece of legislation.”
CDTC thanks the House subcommittee for taking the time to listen and consider this historic piece of legislation, and thanks the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Neguse, and original co-sponsor, Rep. Leger Fernández, for continuing to advocate for the many volunteers, staff, recreationists, CDTC members, and communities who all have a vested interest in the completion of the trail.
A recording of the hearing before the House Natural Resource committee can be found here.
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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.
