Legislation to complete the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail was introduced by Senators Heinrich (NM) and Senator Daines (MT)
GOLDEN, CO (September 30, 2022) —
Today, the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act has been introduced to the U.S. Senate by Senator Heinrich (New Mexico) and Senator Daines (Montana). 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.
“We thank Senator Heinrich and Senator Daines for introducing this critical piece of legislation, during a time when the communities of the Divide need it most,” says L Fisher (they/them), Trail Policy Manager of CDTC. “Public lands are experiencing a time of unprecedented popularity, and this legislation is a direct investment in communities along the CDT who will be able to make the most of all of the benefits that a completed trail has to offer, from the opportunities to recreate and educate, to gather food by hunting and fishing, and to support main street businesses which depend on visitors to boost rural economies. A completed CDT means a more connected Continental Divide, which will help to ensure the history and way of life in the Rocky Mountain West are preserved for the next generation.”
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, 1 National Monument, and 19 CDT Gateway Communities.
Quotes of Support
Valerie Rupp, Executive Director of Partnership for the National Trails System:
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is a true national treasure. It is one of just 11 National Scenic Trails, underlining its significance as a natural and recreational resource, and its positive impact on local economies as a unique and awe-inspiring destination for visitors from around the world. The passing of the CDT Completion Act will set actions into motion to create a more accessible, safer trail for all, while also fulfilling the vision set forth for the trail when it was first designated as a National Scenic Trail.
Randy Rasmussen, Director of Public Lands and Recreation for Backcountry Horsemen of America:
The Continental Divide Trail is one of the jewels of the National Trail System, connecting some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in the country. By completing the CDT and eliminating the roadwalks, the journey will be made safer and more accessible for all travelers, especially equestrians. This legislation will not only complete the trail, it will ensure that the next generation of hikers and horsemenare able to enjoy a natural, primitive experience for generations to come.
Ángel Peña, Executive Director of Nuestra Tierra, in New Mexico:
The introduction of the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act will connect cultures and landscapes, weaving together the story of New Mexico: from the enchanting Rio Chama, to the centuries old Zuni-Acoma trade routes, the nation’s first wilderness area, the Gila, to some of the last and most intact chihuahuan desert landscapes. Thank you Senator Heinrich for your leadership and thank you both Senator Heinrich and Continental Divide Trail Coalition for your commitment to community.
Andrea Opitz, Executive Director of Visit Helena in Helena, Montana:
As a Continental Divide Trail Gateway Community, Visit Helena is in strong support of the CDT Completion Act. The Helena community recognizes the significance of the CDT and the people and animals that transgress its great distance every day and each season as part of the natural progression of the natural world. We are part of this progression and choose to participate as stewards of the uniqueness of this pathway and ecosystem and out of respect for the habit that it provides for many species. Helena’s gateway designation enhances recognition of our community as an outdoor recreation area and contributes to the attractiveness of Helena for visitors. Bikers and hikers have a significant economic impact to the Helena community with over $4.3 million in economic activity. The CDT Completion Act will act as a further catalyst for enhancing visitation and economic development, engaging Helena area citizens as Trail visitors and stewards, and ensuring the CDT remains a national landmark for generations to come.
Gina Evans, founder and owner of Linked Adventures in Butte, Montana:
Having a completed trail the full length of CDT will allow Butte businesses a unique opportunity to connect with even more visitors from all over the world. Each person has their own trail experience while on the CDT and needs different things while they’re out there, and Butte businesses can support them by offering a wide range of products and hospitality. In our Gateway Community, CDT trail users can resupply, have a selection of restaurants and places to stay, and numerous CDT trailheads, and a completed CDT means more people will be able to see it all, no matter if you’re going North or South.
Steve Hill, co-founder and co-owner of Pintler Portal Hostel in Anaconda, Montana
Anaconda is a Gateway Community to the CDT. During the hiking season in 2022 the CDT brought hundreds of hikers to our community. Each spending hundreds of dollars in restaurants, hardware stores, lodging and a historic bus tour of Anaconda. Even more impressive, at Pintlers Portal Hostel, hikers are asked to place a pin in their location of origin. During the summer of 2022 Pins were placed in 45 foreign countries with 87 individual pins in those countries. This is considered a minimum since not all pinned their location and often hiking groups only placed a single pin. Additionally hikers stayed at other lodging facilities in Anaconda including the community supported Hiker Hut, which is free of charge to hikers. The Hiker Hut also provides free WIFI to guests. Anaconda also offers 6 Trail Angels to hikers using one of several CDT access trails to anaconda and a critical resupply and zero day stop. The CDT is an ever increasing business opportunity for Anaconda.
Dr. Richard Kozoll, Cuba, New Mexico:
The Village of Cuba is a gateway to the CDT for much of northern New Mexico. For decades, a 12 mile gap in the trail north and south of town has impaired access to scenic public lands that surround us. I have been working with land managers, advocates and other partners since 2007 to complete our section of trail, and we have a number elements in place. With passage of the Continental Divide Completion Act, we would receive the assistance we need for acquisition of land and construction of new trail to fill the gap. We are just one of many communities along the trail. To support the CDT Completion Act is to supporrt rural America.
Patrick Webber, Basecamp Co-pack in Denver, Colorado
Completing the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado means protecting one of the most unique and natural outdoors experiences that our state has to offer. Every year, visitors from across the country and around the world come to explore the CDT in our state, enjoy the views from the ridgeline trail, learn about gateway communities along the CDT, and support local businesses. Now is the time to make the most of this important part of Colorado’s outdoor legacy and complete the CDT so visitors and locals alike have more opportunities to explore all that our state has to offer.
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.
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