A Primer on the History of the CDT

April 26, 2004

1968 National Trails System Act

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Facts

• 3,100 miles– FS 2,000 miles– BLM 400 miles– NPS 190 miles– State 150 miles– 360 miles

• 72 % complete

CDT Planning and Issues

Vision Statement

Complete the Trail to connect people and communities to the Continental Divide by providing scenic, high-quality, primitive hiking and horseback riding experiences, while preserving the significant natural, historic, and cultural resources along the Trail.

Project Priorities

• Removing motorized trail use while featuring significant features along the trail.

• Linking completed nonmotorized sections.• Correcting critical resource problems.• Correcting critical safety problems.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition

• Preserve the Great Divide’s nationally significant scenic, historic, natural and cultural features

• Encourage people to experience the Trail ,while promoting safe and responsible use.

• Protect and manage the values, features and experiences critical to the Trail Experience and its surrounding lands.

CDTC Goals

Cooperative and Collaborative Planning and Management

Land Protection Efforts

Trailheads and Signing

Motorized Use

Trail Standards

GIS Data Management

Volunteer Stewardship

Gateway Community Program

Gateway Community Program

What is a Gateway Community?

•A Gateway Community is a community that serves as an entry point to the CDT•A Gateway Community helps promote and protect the CDT.•Act as good friends and neighbors to the Trail.

Overall Goals of Gateway Community Program:

•Engage community citizens, Trail visitors and stewards•Recognize and thank communities for their service to the Trail and Trail Users•Act as a catalyst for enhancing sustainable economic development•Aid local municipalities and regional areas with conservation planning•Help local community members see the Trail as a resource and asset

Gateway Community Program

Short Term Benefits:

•National designation network and communication•Recognition and visibility through signage, press releases, CDTC website and publications•Enhanced partnerships with public land agencies and volunteers•Support engagement in CDTC Outreach and Education Programs like CDTC Flat Stanley Library Program

 Long Term Benefits:

•Increased community environmental stewardship•Increased sense of place and cultural sustainability•Trail-friendly promotion through CDTC-assisted marketing techniques

Gateway Community Program

Community Leaders and Citizens:•Do you live in a community connects to CDT?•Are you seeking viable mechanisms to jump-start economic growth in your community?•Is your community concerned about losing its unique character and special places?•Does your community want a better relationship with the managers of a neighboring public land?

 Public Land Managers:

•Are you interested in improving communications and partnerships with nearby communities?•Are you feeling the pressures of reduced budgets and changes in visitor patterns?•Are you interested in opportunities for improved resource management by addressing adjacent land issues in your surrounding community?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then consider putting together a community team and building a CDT Gateway Community Effort! 

Continental Divide Trail Coalitionwww.continentaldividetrail.org

P.O. Box 552Pine, CO 80470

[email protected]