PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
CDTC staff members offer their reflections during our 10th year MORGAN ANDERSON DIRECTOR OF FIELD PROGRAMS
DAN CARTER TRAIL AND LANDS CONSERVATION MANAGER
In my five years at CDTC, I’ve worked to build Field Programs from the ground up — refining our programs, increasing staffing, and investing in the national scenic trail that inspires us all. It has been an incredible experience meeting people, working the land, and watching CDTC grow, shift, and focus on so many important facets of our mission. Through the years, Field Programs has encompassed the CDTC Adopter Program and Volunteer Trail Work Program which drive our on-the-ground stewardship and surveying along much of the CDT.
I began working for CDTC in the Fall of 2019. No one could have imagined how drastically the world would change in the coming months. My first board meeting and New Mexico partners meeting was on the cusp of Covid. There were a few elbow and fist bumps that weekend when I met the people who I would be working with to complete the CDT over the coming years. The silver lining of being forced into the virtual world is I ended up meeting and staying connected with more partners over the coming years. We were able to talk more often and thoroughly go through the initial stages of plan the Trail. I scoured old documents, maps, and talked with folks to find out what happened in the past and where we can go next. As things started to open back up I’m able to hit the ground running with scouting routes discussed by working groups.
In 2022 we are excited to pilot a new Gateway Community Stewardship Program where we work with our Ambassadors to develop community-focused and driven stewardship events that provide greater access, education, and fun for families, students, and community members. We’re excited to continue to try new ideas and serve so many wonderful people and places. Cheers!
PAGE 22
Traveling and field work lends itself to the chance encounters of the local community and trail users which is so much of what the CDT is about. We just hired our first field technician for New Mexico. They will help survey conditionso along the entire trail which will help direct trail maintenance and improvements. n the coming years I’m excited to see the reroutes and plans be implemented and see trail crews cutting some fresh trail!
