2023 CDT Small Business Survey

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COALITION

2023 CDT SMALL BUSINESS SURVEY

Image Credit: Steven Shattuck

About this Report As a connector of landscapes, communities, and cultures, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) provides a setting for community members, decision makers, conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyone connected to the lands and waters of the Divide, to come together to discuss how to steward the vital natural, cultural, and historic resources found across its entirety. With this report, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition hopes to highlight the role of the cooperative stewardship model in the management of the CDT, what we accomplished in 2023, and what we are looking forward to in 2024.

Acknowledgments

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition would like to thank all the small business owners and representatives who took the time to complete our survey and provide valuable feedback that will inform our work in the future.

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Image Credit: Katie Hearsum

INTRODUCTION TO CDTC Mission The mission of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) is to complete, promote, and protect the CDT. With a growing trail community which includes 20 designated CDT Gateway Communities and over 3,000 active members, CDTC is reimagining the future of cooperative landscape stewardship, building strong partnerships with diverse communities, and supporting access to the enjoyment and economic benefits provided by the lands and waters along the Divide.

Overview of Work In its mission to complete, promote, and protect the CDT, CDTC engages with Gateway Communities, agency staff, members, recreationists, volunteers, conservationists, local leaders, members of Congress, and others to help ensure that the holistic benefits of the CDT are available to all. Through stewardship programs, trail completion efforts, community connections, advocacy, and educational programs, CDTC continues to build on the promise made by Congress over four decades ago to protect and provide access to the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Divide landscape.

In the heart of every community along the CDT, small businesses become storytellers, weaving economic vitality into the tapestry of adventure. As trail users journey through, they not only traverse landscapes but also nurture the growth of local businesses, creating a symbiotic relationship between visitors and residents to bridge stewardship and tourism within local trail communities.”

— Liz Schmit, Community and Outreach Program Manager

www.continentaldividetrail.org

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THE BASICS

Image Credit: Zack Kephart

The State of the Outdoor Recreation Economy on the Divide According to a Headwaters Economics Report released in November 2023, the outdoor recreation economy contributed $564 billion to the GDP in 2022. The outdoor recreation economy provides over 5.2 million jobs nationwide, and contributes to employment in the arts, entertainment, hospitality, food service, retail trade, manufacturing, transportation, and other industries.

Established as a National Scenic Trail in 1968, the Continental Divide Trail is a U.S. Forest Service-administered trail that protects the natural, cultural, and historic resources along its length, while providing increased access to the Divide landscape, including the 20 National Forests, 25 Wilderness areas, 3 National Parks, 1 National Monument, and 13 BLM resource areas the trail connects.

820 miles in NM

750 miles in CO

The CDT offers myriad hiking, equestrian, fishing, birdwatching, skiing, and other recreational opportunities along its 3,100 miles. As it runs from the border with Mexico to the border with Canada along the Continental Divide, it traverses through and near mountain communities whose economies are increasingly bolstered by visitors and recreationists accessing nearby public lands. Outdoor recreation is an economic powerhouse along the CDT. 510 miles in WY

1020 miles in ID and MT

CDT States’ Outdoor Recreation Economies

Rankings amongst all 50 states, outdoor recreation as a percentage of state GDP Source: Headwater Economics

#3

Montana: 4.3% of the state GDP Jobs: 29.45K

#4

Wyoming: 4.1% of the state GDP Jobs: 16.20K

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#11

Idaho: 3.1% of the state GDP Jobs: 35.53K

#12 #37

Colorado: 2.8% of the state GDP Jobs: 129.77K

New Mexico: 1.9% of the state GDP Jobs: 27.98K

WHO WE SURVEYED From September to November 2023, CDTC surveyed 134 small business owners in 35 communities located along the Continental Divide Trail to learn more about how the CDT impacts their businesses, the local economy, and their support for public lands.

Demographics of Respondents

Q: In which state is your business located?

Age of business

ID (3%)

65% of respondents were owners of NEW small business (<10 years)

(Business could mark more than one.)

NM (24%)

Sex/Gender

MT (25%)

31% Female 62% Male

WY (16%) CO (32%)

1% Gender nonconforming 6% Prefer not to respond Race/ethnicity 67% White, 10% Hispanic, Chicana/o/x, or Latina/o/e/x

• • • • •

43 respondents from CO 32 respondents from NM 05 respondents from ID 33 respondents from MT 21 respondents from WY

8% Multiracial 2% Native American 13% Other Revenue 1% $1million+

Q: How would you categorize your business?

Q: Is your business located in a designated CDT Gateway Community?

5% $500K-999K

Outdoor clothing or great store: 36 respondents Hotel, Motel, Hostel: 23 respondents RV park or campground: 6 respondents Airbnb, short-term rental, inn, or guesthouse: 11 respondents Restaurant, bar, dispensary or similar: 17 respondents

15% $300K-499K 21% $200K-299K 33% $100K-199K 20% $50K-99K

Yes (70%)

5% <$50K

We are thrilled to be a part of the CDT community! When visitors come to our town, they are going to experience the shared love of outdoor recreation and small town charm.”

— Bob Snyder, Owner, Switchback Premier Adventure Properties, Anaconda, MT

Outdoor guide service: 2 respondents

No (30%)

Respondents not in Gateway Communities were located in • • • •

Jackson, Harlowton, Browning, Whitehall, Choteau, MT El Morro, Santa Clara, Abiquiu, Pinos Altos, Taos, Lordsburg, NM Fort Collins, CO Sandpoint, Wallace, ID

Grocery or convenience store: 11 respondents Education-focused organization: 2 respondents Other: 26 respondents Icons: Flaticon.com

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Gateway Communities CDT GATEWAY COMMUNITIES CDT Gateway Communities are welcoming destinations along the Continental Divide Trail for visitors from around the world.

Towns and counties designated as official CD T Gateway Communities are those that CDTC recognizes as friendly to trail users and dedicated to the completion and protection of the trail.

We partner with Gateway Communities to give visitors a great experience and to continue our work completing, promoting, and protecting the Continental Divide Trail. From the high desert of New Mexico, to the snow covered mountains of Montana, and everywhere in between, CDT Gateway Communities span the length of the trail.

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Community

Population

Silver City, NM

9,386

Grants, NM

8,968

Cuba, NM

755

Chama, NM

995

Pagosa Springs, CO

2,147

South Fork, CO

349

Lake City, CO

391

Salida, CO

6,373

Leadville/Twin Lakes, CO

10,586

Grand Lake, CO

516

Steamboat Springs, CO

13,764

Encampment & Riverside, WY

462

Rawlins, WY

8,122

Pinedale, WY

1,788

Lander/South Pass City

7,550

Lemhi County, ID

8,027

Butte, MT

33,964

Anaconda, MT

7,632

Helena, MT

33,124

Lincoln MT

898

THE IMPACT OF CDT GATEWAY COMMUNITY DESIGNATION Of respondents in CDT Gateway Communities:

56% reported that trail users spend money and have a positive impact on their revenue

40% reported they’d seen an increase in trail users coming through town since designation

62% saw an increase in awareness of the Continental Divide Trail among business owners and residents of their city or town

35% felt there was an overall increase in awareness of their city or town as an outdoor recreation hub or destination

71% saw an increase in traffic from trail users at their business

Overwhelmingly, business owners in CDT communities have experienced a positive impact from the CDT and support enhancing and protecting the trail and the surrounding landscape.

82% believe protecting, promoting, and enhancing public lands (national parks, national forests, etc.) is important to the general well-being of businesses, jobs, and their local economy.

40% have seen growth in business in their community at large due to use of the CDT since 2021.

73% believe CDT-led events, programs, and projects have increased awareness, foot traffic, and business engagement (since Gateway Community designation).

51% of businesses have experienced growth in their business in particular due to use of the CDT since 2021. www.continentaldividetrail.org

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CONNECTING MONTANA COMMUNITIES:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLES Along the Continental Divide Trail, you will find trail-friendly towns that serve as the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure. To better understand the connection between economic development and CDT users, CDTC staff visited the Gateway Communities of Helena, Lincoln, Anaconda, and Butte in September 2023. By hosting a series of small business roundtables, this trip was a reminder of not only the beauty of Montana’s outdoors but also the resilience, creativity, and community spirit of its residents.

These discussions underscored the importance of collaboration between local businesses, government agencies, chambers of commerce, and trail-related organizations so residents and visitors alike can share benefits of the trail.

Participants recognized that small businesses can thrive by highlighting the trail’s popularity and unique features. It’s clear that these towns, with their natural beauty and local stewards, are more than just stops along the CDT. They are where economic development and community engagement go hand in hand.

Photo Credit: Audra Labert

Over 65 small business owners, city employees, heritage tourism experts, chamber members, hospitality representatives, and local outdoor enthusiasts joined for these roundtables. The conversation centered on the potential for small businesses to capitalize on the trail’s historical aspects, including mining heritage, cultural attractions and proximity to the CDT. Participants agreed that storytelling and interpretation could be powerful tools to engage tourists and promote the rich history of the area. The community members also believe they can leverage their close proximity to other trail communities and work together to meet the needs of CDT users and visitors.

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Photo Credit: Liz Schmit

SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS GROUP In January 2024, staff from CDTC sat down with members of the small business community across the trail with the intent to gain greater insight into how local economies are impacted by the stewardship of the CDT. From that conversation, these are the top concerns and challenges impacting the CDT trail community, as well as the opportunities businesses see in continuing to expand their communities’ connection to the CDT experience.

CHALLENGES

SOLUTIONS

Infrastructure Gap sections of the trail present a substantial challenge to recreationists seeking a continuous footpath and locals exploring the trail in their backyard. Incomplete sections and roadwalks often raise concerns regarding navigation and safety, which can be a deterrent. Access also means more than simply getting to the trail or nearest town. Proper signage and trailhead quality, facilities such rest areas, and transportation infrastructure connecting communities may be limited, impacting accessibility for trail users.

Trail Completion By acknowledging the official trail route on the physical Divide, completion will help provide business owners opportunities to connect with recreationalists. Focusing on local impact, particularly those in close proximity to gap sections, can help create a path towards increased revenue for local businesses and development projects, job creation, and greater accessibility for locals.

As the popularity of the CDT and public lands increases, business owners see investing in shuttle programs, sidewalks, alternative transit like biking, and downtown revitalization as a critical component to increase foot traffic in their towns.

“Not all development is bad development.”

– Mike Mathisen, owner of Follow the Footsteps Epic Adventures, Leadville, CO

Extreme Weather Events Wildfires, flooding, windstorms, and other extreme climate events create obstacles for tourism and access to public lands. Communities along the CDT are directly experiencing these unprecedented conditions, which pose a threat to businesses, public health, and the way of life for many in small rural towns.

Community Stewardship There is opportunity to foster collaboration between private landowners, public land managers, and local communities. Using CDTC as a convener, communities can collaboratively develop and implement stewardshiprelated strategies. This involves fostering community engagement and investing in sustainable infrastructure. Through coordinated efforts, CDTC can serve as a hub for sharing information, facilitating partnerships, and advocating for policies that address the impact of extreme weather events. By leveraging CDTC, the community can work together to enhance tourism resilience and ensure continued access to local communities and public lands despite climate challenges.

“Fires bring decreased air quality, which can last for months, deterring people from recreating outdoors.

The more fires there are, the less people want to recreate.”

– Eric Payne, Owner of Gila Hike and Bike in Silver City, NM

Creating Connections A top priority for businesses is ensuring that travelers on the CDT have information on all the amenities, means of support, and businesses located in Gateway Communities, as well as information on changing conditions on the ground impacting routes and points of access.

Community Engagement By fostering local collaboration, businesses can collectively promote their offerings, ensuring that trail travelers are well-informed and encouraging them to explore and support the unique offerings of each Gateway Community. This localized approach strengthens community ties and sustains local economies, especially with those who use the CDT for uses other than hiking such as equestrians, skiers, and hunters.

“Working with local trail groups, like the Anaconda Trail Society, towns won’t have to promote the trail; it promotes itself because so many businesses get business from the hikers. Anaconda’s perception of thru hikers has changed drastically, people look forward to trail season because they’re from all over the world and they all have a story.” – Steve Hill, Owner of Pintler’s Portal Hostel in Anaconda, MT

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Teresa Martinez Executive Director TMartinez@continentaldividetrail.org 303.996.2759

Jordan Williams Colorado Regional Representative jwilliams@continentaldividetrail.org 360.244.9249 Corey Torivio New Mexico Regional Representative ctorivio@continentaldividetrail.org 505.221.1339

L Fisher Trail Policy Program Manager LFisher@continentaldividetrail.org 406.272.6179

Haley Gamertsfelder Field Programs Manager Hgamertsfelder@continentaldividetrail.org 410.802.2003

Lauren Murray Director of Development lmurray@continentaldividetrail.org 720.378.0106

406.207.5934

Claire Cutler Community Engagement Coordinator outreach@continentaldividetrail.org 808.343.0818

Liz Schmit

CDTC General Information

Community and Outreach Program Manager

Info@continentaldividetrail.org

lschmit@continentaldividetrail.org

303.996.2759

Audra Labert Communications Manager Alabert@continentaldividetrail.org

708.738.3469

continentaldividetrail.org @continentaldividetrailcoalition @cdtcoalition

Image Credit: Steven Shattuck