TRAIL POLICY & ADVOCACY By L. Fischer (they/them) | CDTC Trail Policy Manager
Behind the modern CDT Experience that visitors get to experience today are decades of diligent labor, advocacy, and stewardship that have helped establish the iconic trail. This summer as you take in the sweeping vistas, bathe in the silence of the wilderness, and look forward to a meal in the next trail town, I encourage you to think about all the voices, hands, and hard work that go into its protection - and consider, How have I used my voice to advocate for the CDT? The Continental Divide Trail Coalition participates in advocacy and policy engagement on a wide range of topics, ranging from funding for maintenance to trail completion to equitable access in the National Trail System. And there are countless opportunities for our trail community to gather knowledge, use your voice, and engage with decisions that impact the trail and the surrounding Continental Divide landscape. CDTC partners and volunteers have participated in fly-ins with their members of Congress, submitted comments to land management proposals, and tuned in to information sessions on issues facing their communities. Each time trail enthusiasts engage in advocacy opportunities, the fabric of our trail community is strengthened and the future of the CDT experience is more secure thanks to the dedication, thoughtfulness, and excitement that each new voice brings. This year so far, the CDT has a lot to celebrate and even more ways to engage! Here are a few items we are currently watching and ways you can get involved:
Celebrating the Confirmation of Xochitl Torres Small! • In July, the Senate confirmed Xochitl Torres Small as the deputy secretary to the Department of Agriculture. Originally from New Mexico and formerly a House member representing a large rural region of the state, Torres Small will be responsible for strategic planning for a department that operates 29 agencies and offices and employs about 100,000 people, including those that directly oversee stewardship of the CDT. • Action: Join us in congratulating Xochitl Torres Small on her confirmation! To learn more about Xochitl Torres Small, visit this LINK.
The Colorado Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE) Act • The CORE Act aims to preserve and protect four iconic Colorado landscapes, including the Continental Divide, the Curecanti National Recreation Area. the Thompson Divide, and the San Juan Mountains. If passed, the bill would permanently protect sections of the CDT. A recording of the bill’s hearing in the Senate subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining can be found here: LINK • Action: Reach out to your member of Congress to share your support!
BLM Conservation Rulemaking • The Bureau of Land Management released a proposed rule on conservation and landscape health. The rule aims to prioritize restoration, mitigation, and prioritizing conservation to improve landscape health and connectivity. If implemented, the rule signifies a significant shift in the agency’s management and would help to optimize stewardship of the natural, scenic, cultural, and historic resources in the CDT corridor. • Action: Learn more! To learn more about the proposed rules, visit this LINK.
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