WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) introduced their bipartisan Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act, legislation that directs the Secretaries of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Interior to prioritize the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT).
Designated by Congress as part of the National Trail System in 1978, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail stretches more than 3,000 miles and passes through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The trail follows the Continental Divide and transverses some of the nation's most treasured natural, historic, and cultural resources.
Since the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail's creation, stakeholders have worked tirelessly to complete the trail. Today, more than 160 miles of the trail require diversions onto roadways and highways, and 600 miles of the trail require relocation. Closing these gaps and relocating these segments will help better maintain the trail's purpose while ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey for hikers.
"The existing Continental Divide National Scenic Trail serves as a major economic driver for communities along the trail like Grants and Silver City, New Mexico. The trail also provides recreational access to some of our most incredible natural, historic, and cultural landscapes,"said Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "Our Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act will finally finish incomplete portions of the trail and make it easier and safer for locals and through-hikers to access. As a National Scenic Trail, the Continental Divide Trail deserves no less."
"The Continental Divide Trail provides an unmatched outdoor experience for Montanans and visitors alike," said Daines. "My bipartisan bill ensures the trail will continue to provide public access and a continuous route will finally be completed."
"It's been nearly half a century since Congress formally established the Continental Divide Trail, a scenic route that spans the Rocky Mountains and crosses five states. Since then, the trail has provided the American people with world-class recreational opportunities and has served as an economic driver for the rural towns and cities along its route. In championing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act, we are calling on the federal government to fulfill its promise to complete the trail's full 3,100-mile length, enhancing the benefits this iconic trail brings to both our people and our public lands," said Neguse, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
"A divided and incomplete Continental Divide Trail is calling out for congressional action to finish the job. A completed trail highlights and honors the unique cultures and environments along its route in New Mexico." said Rep. Leger Fernández. "This bill will help grow our outdoor recreation economy and support the rural communities along the CDT. Importantly, it also makes sure we respect local landowners, Tribes, Land Grants-Mercedes, Acequias, and other land users. I look forward to co-leading the bill again this Congress with Congressman Neguse and my colleagues."
Specifically, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act:
Directs the USDA Secretary and Interior Secretary to establish a Trail Completion Team comprised of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Administrator. This team will be responsible for conducting optimal location reviews and to assist in developing a comprehensive development plan for the Trail.
Recognizes the value of cooperation between federal land managers, states, Tribes, towns, Native communities, and others. The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act directs USFS and BLM to maintain close partnerships with stakeholders in developing, maintaining, and managing the trail.
Requires the completion of a comprehensive development plan for the Trail, to include areas of Trail where there are gaps, opportunities for acquiring land to complete the trail, and site-specific Trail development plans.
Ensures that land purchased to complete the trail may only be acquired from willing sellers.
Last year, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act passed through the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with unanimous consent. The legislation has the backing of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition and a number of organizations and businesses.
"Completing the CDT is not just about closing the gaps — it's about all the benefits that result from ensuring connections to one of the country's most important landscapes exist for future generations," said Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.
Text of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act can be found here.
Timeline of Actions on Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in 118thCongress:
Heinrich's Legislation to Complete Continental Divide Trail Receives Key Hearing
