Senate Advances Bill to Fully Complete the Continental Divide Trail

A recent legislative initiative aims to fulfill the original vision for the Continental Divide Trail, ensuring a seamless route for hikers. The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources recently cast a bipartisan vote in favor of the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act. This proposed legislation, identified as S.1470/HR. 2877, would mandate the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior to prioritize the finalization of the CDT, transforming it into a fully continuous footpath.

Despite its official recognition as a National Scenic Trail in 1978, the Continental Divide Trail, spanning 3,100 miles, still contains over 160 miles of unfinished segments. These gaps necessitate detours onto public roads or challenging off-trail navigation, contributing to the trail's reputation as the most demanding among the Triple Crown trails. The new Act focuses on integrating these incomplete sections, specifically targeting the elimination of road-walking mileage to establish a uninterrupted hiking experience. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that this completion will be achieved without employing direct land acquisition, eminent domain, or automatic governmental expenditures.

The path forward for the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act involves a full Senate vote, with specific timelines outlined for its implementation. Should the Act become law, the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior would be required to form a trail completion team within one year, collaborating with the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to facilitate development. Within three years of the team's establishment, a comprehensive development plan for the trail must be finalized. The measure sets an ambitious goal for the trail to be a complete, continuous route within 10 years of its enactment, contingent upon available appropriations. Key senators from the five states through which the CDT passes—Steve Daines, Martin Heinrich, James Risch, John Barrasso, and John Hickenlooper—played a crucial role in its passage through the committee, with Senators Daines and Heinrich serving as its primary sponsors in the Senate. As Senator Heinrich emphasized, the CDT's significance extends beyond thru-hikers, drawing international tourism and bolstering local economies.

This legislative push represents a significant step towards realizing the full potential of the Continental Divide Trail, promising enhanced access and a more fulfilling experience for all who venture onto its paths. By addressing the long-standing issue of incomplete sections, the Act not only honors the trail's legacy but also fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and the benefits it brings to communities along its route.