December 10, 2021 (Golden, Colo.) — This week, the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) board awarded a $150,000 grant to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) to hire a fellow to support community engagement and trail stewardship, as part of GOCO’s fellowship program, which funds two-year positions to prepare young people for careers in the outdoors. GOCO fellows gain experience in the fields of conservation, outdoor recreation, and stewardship while growing a professional skill set to apply to future endeavors.
“CDTC is thrilled to receive funding from and to partner with GOCO in this capacity and is extremely grateful for GOCO’s investment in the conservation of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) across Colorado,” said Teresa Martinez, executive director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. “We are excited to work together to strengthen and grow the talented group of professionals who are helping us develop and complete the CDT. GOCO’s support will allow CDTC to invest in a young professional to grow in the conservation field, and will support not just CDTC’s capacity, but that of our agency and partner organizations. We look forward to getting started on this effort and working closely with GOCO and all of our partners across Colorado.”
Hiring a fellow will help CDTC complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide Scenic Trail, over 700 miles of which runs through Colorado. The fellow will work on projects that grow a diverse trail community; provide up-to-date information to the public; and encourage the stewardship of the trail, its corridor, and surrounding landscapes. This will involve building stronger relationships with communities adjacent to the trail, volunteers, government organizations, and tribal 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.
Media Contact
Allie Ghaman
Communications Coordinator
(734) 277-6540
[email protected]
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