GOLDEN, Colo. (September 30, 2021) – From the expanse of the Chihuahuan Desert in southern New Mexico to the glaciated valleys of Montana, the Continental Divide is renowned for the breathtaking landscapes it offers. And while the communities found along the Continental Divide are as varied and unique as its landscapes, they are tied together by a common thread – the Continental Divide Trail.
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) will convene stakeholders from across the Rocky Mountain West to celebrate the network of communities along its length, discuss the challenges faced by rural mountain towns, and search for local solutions facilitated by the proximity of the Continental Divide Trail, during the second virtual Gateway Community Summit on October 13–14.
There are 19 designated CDT Gateway Communities, communities which work in partnership with CDTC to complete, promote, and protect the trail. Residents of communities in this network, along with tourism professionals, business owners, advocates, and volunteers, are invited to participate in the free online conference organized by the CDTC. This year’s summit is the second of its kind, building on the success of local organizers all along the Continental Divide who have helped champion outdoor recreation on the CDT as a viable and sustainable economic activity.
“After attending last year’s CDT Gateway Community Summit, I’m excited to join this year’s event,” said Gina Knudson, Partnership Coordinator for the Salmon-Challis National Forest. “Gateway communities tend to be a bit rural and isolated, and the virtual summit made it easy for us to compare notes and get to know one another. There is so much passion for the CDT and what it means to those of us lucky enough to live nearby.”
“Last year’s virtual Gateway Community Summit was the first time we convened the entire network of communities along the length of Continental Divide Trail. Participants came away with a renewed energy for their role in the stewardship of the CDT,” said Andrea Kurth, Gateway Community Program Manager for the CDTC. “We hope to continue building this movement, which elevates CDT Gateway Communities as outstanding outdoor recreation destinations and highlights their unique cultures and histories, which help bring the trail to life.”
Seven sessions over two days of the summit will uplift the shared commonalities between Gateway Communities and inform participants about the opportunities the CDT provides for rural economic development. The organizers also hope it will help foster connections along the trail and give residents the tools they need to advocate for its protection. The summit is free and open to the public, and will offer opportunities for participants to meet each other virtually and hear about ways other communities have successfully marketed their town to CDT visitors.
“The value of the Gateway Community Summit is the opportunity to connect with folks from other Gateway Communities,” said Robin McKernan, the president of the Anaconda Trail Society. “We can share ideas and knowledge on how communities can better assist the hikers and educate residents about the CDT and the wonders of the trail.”
The CDTC says that with increased awareness of the trail and the benefits that it provides, community involvement in advocacy efforts to complete and protect the trail will burgeon.
“The CDT Gateway Community program celebrates the invaluable contributions of communities along the CDT to the trail visitor experience,” said Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of CDTC. “The Gateway Community Summit will further elevate how important grassroots community efforts are to the CDT’s completion, promotion, and protection.”
All individuals who live or work in one of the 19 CDT Gateway Communities are invited to attend the virtual conference on October 13 – 14. See the full schedule and register at continentaldividetrail.org/
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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