Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Comprehensive Plan and Directives Amendment

The U.S. Forest Service has amended the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) Comprehensive Plan. “After almost 25 years, it was time to update the 1985 Comprehensive Plan and Forest Service directives to reflect the changes in the way CDNST is used for recreation and other resource programs,” said Maribeth Gustafson, Deputy Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region. “We needed to create a clear vision for the CDNST corridor and travel route to guide future development and management of this National Scenic Trail.”

During an extended comment period from June to October 2007, the U.S. Forest Service received 8,000 comments to the proposed direction. Many of those who commented were supportive of the need for updated direction, especially as related to scenery management, trail design, conservation, and more. Most who commented were concerned about access for motor vehicles and bicycles.

The U.S. Forest Service appreciates the involvement of those interested in this National Scenic Trail in helping to shape its future. “It is important for interested citizens to know that there will be ample opportunity in the future to weigh in on specific proposals for segments of the CDNST through local planning efforts, which will include land and resource management planning,” Gustafson said.

The Comprehensive Plan and directives amendments assure that the Forest Service is positioned to complete the CDNST in partnership with Federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance, and other interested groups and individuals.

The 2009 CDNST Comprehensive Plan, Forest Service Manual (FSM) Chapter 2350, final Federal Register notice, 2007 proposed amendment and directives, and a location map can be viewed and printed from this website:

• CDNST Comprehensive Plan - Amendment Effective Date: November 4, 2009
  [WORD] [PDF]
• FSM 2350 - Amendment Effective Date: November 4, 2009
  [WORD] [PDF]
  • FSM 2350 CDNST Excerpts
    [WORD] [PDF] 
• Federal Register - Final Direction
  Vol. 74, No. 191
  Monday, October 5, 2009
  [TEXT] [PDF]
• Federal Register - Proposed Direction
  Vol. 72, No. 148
  Thursday, August 2, 2007
  [TEXT] [PDF]
• Location Map - General Drawing of Travel Route
  [PDF]

Partnership to Complete and Sustain the CDNST

The Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) is the leading nonprofit partner in the development and management of the CDNST. The Forest Service is in partnership with the CDTA for the following purposes:

• To complete the CDNST 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.
• To facilitate the coordination, development and distribution of informational, educational, and interpretive material related to the CDNST.
• To encourage volunteer involvement in the management, operation, and construction of the CDNST.
• To provide for the coordination, management, and operation of the CDNST along each segment at the local level.

The CDTA mission is, “To construct, manage and preserve a nonmotorized public backcountry trail along the full length of the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico and to link its significant resources with the assistance of volunteers and public and private partnerships. To develop an appreciation of and enjoyment in America’s natural lands through education and the opportunity to experience the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.”

Contact CDTA for more information about use and conservation of the CDNST, how to become involved in building and maintaining this National Scenic Trail, and more. The CDTA website is at http://www.cdtrail.org.

More Information

In-depth information about the CDNST can be found on the administrative website. However, recognize that the material presented therein is intended for administrative coordination purposes and in many cases is in draft form.