Collaboration at its Roots: Progress for the CDT

In celebration of National Trails Day on June 3, we are highlighting some of the work being done in the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) landscape. Over the past decade, the CDTC’s mission to complete, protect, and promote this iconic trail has fostered growth, connection, and community-centric conservation. CDTC is committed to creating a more inclusive model for collaboration– one that benefits all parties that recreate, reside, and utilize resources along the CDT. 

By L. Fischer (they/them) | CDTC Trail Policy Manager

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition’s vision is to see that the 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is a renowned and revered natural resource for people to connect with friends, family, and community to draw inspiration and create outstanding experiences. We see the CDT as a world-class landscape that inspires pride, passion, respect, creativity, community, and perseverance, connecting landscapes, ecosystems, and communities. While we are extremely proud of our accomplishments to date, we realize that there is much more to be done to fulfill this vision. 

CDTC has asked for support from members of Congress on priority initiatives,  including efforts to increase outdoor access, protect the Divide landscape, and support rural community development: 

• Increased appropriations for National Trails improvements
• The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Act 
• The Outdoor F.U.T.U.R.E. Initiative 
• The Lincoln Prosperity Proposal 

CDTC advocates for these priorities by highlighting past accomplishments and future opportunities for strengthening stewardship, connecting communities, and investing in the CDT. This includes community-led conservation achievements like the designation of Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument by President Biden, thanks to the support of CDT Gateway Communities, recreationists, and community leaders, which protected over 20 miles of the CDT. 

[pullquote]: As CDTC reflects on the past year’s accomplishments and looks forward to the future, the voice of our trail community is more important than ever.

Last year CDTC also hosted the annual CDT Gateway Community Summit, demonstrating that not only are communities invested in the trail, but are looking for new opportunities to connect with one another and with staff in the agencies and their representatives in Congress. And particularly highlighting the Return on Investment, which models how community-led conservation and volunteering can result in stewardship that is centered on local priorities driven by community leads, strengthening the lasting legacy of the CDT as an experience that is open and enjoyable to all. 

We want to protect the Trail’s wealth of natural and scenic resources, build a sense of community, promote public land stewardship, inspire healthy lifestyles, and above all, encourage people to know, use, and care for the CDT.

These great celebrations, accomplished alongside all our partners, demonstrate that investing in the CDT is an investment in the Rocky Mountain West!