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LATEST SUBMISSIONS

Future of Divide Trail up to public

Saturday, August 25 at 12:01 AM

By Richard Stem

All those interested in the long-term management of the Continental Divide Trail now have a greater opportunity to provide comments on a proposed directive that will help define the future vision and management guidance for this important asset.

The time is right to update a 22-year-old plan to reflect the changing environment and use of the trail now and into the future. On Aug. 2, the U.S. Forest Service extended the June 12 comment period another 60 days; the new deadline is Oct. 12.

The comments submitted will contribute to either affirming the proposed directive or developing an alternative approach and vision to revising the outdated Comprehensive Plan from 1985. The proposed directive does not make decisions or answer questions. Rather, it leaves those decisions to local land managers. The directive does identify approaches for deciding the best use for each trail segment.

The Continental Divide Trail touches the borders of Mexico and Canada and travels through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. This is one of the three great north-south National Scenic Trails in the country, along with the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. The Continental Divide Trail, or CDT, is truly a national treasure. As the trail passes through Colorado it features some of the most pristine vistas this state has to offer.

The trail was designated by Congress in 1978 primarily for hiking and horseback riding. The 1985 Comprehensive Plan provided guidance for land managers to help them strike a balance between the laws that govern the trail and the interests of the users who enjoy the trail. It identified a shared-use management approach and allowed for all recreational uses normally found on federal lands.

The trail crosses a variety of terrain over 3,100 miles. Today, many sections are connected by paved or primitive roads and trails that host a variety of motorized travel. The ultimate goal is for a continuous high-quality, primitive hiking and horseback-riding, nonmotorized trail along the crest of the continent between Canada and Mexico. The Continental Divide Trail Alliance is working toward that goal and has done a tremendous job of bringing attention, funding and volunteer work to the completion of this significant trail.

The Forest Service was charged with the overall management of this important trail. We take this responsibility seriously. We hope to work closely with all interests and users to develop guidance that sets the course for a trail that is sustainable for generations to come. That is why it is so important for all of those interested from mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians and others to provide their comments on the proposed directive.

I encourage everyone to thoroughly read the proposed directive and references that are found on the Forest Service Web site at www.fs.fed.us/cdt, and to submit comments by Oct. 12.

Richard Stem is the U.S. Forest Service deputy regional forester for the Rocky Mountain Region.

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