filed under: economics of trails
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 2021, and what we are looking forward to in 2022.
by Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The mission of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) is to complete, promote, and protect the CDT. With a growing trail community which includes 19 designated CDT Gateway Communities and over 2500 active members, CDTC is re-imagining 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.
From August to December 2021, CDTC surveyed 136 small business owners in 38 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. 90% of all respondents believe protecting, promoting, and enhancing public lands is important to the well-being of businesses, jobs, and their community’s economy.
CDTC celebrates its 10th anniversary in May 2022. To learn more about CDTC and events highlighting 10 years of trail stewardship, you can visit: continentaldividetrail.org.
Published March 2022
CDTC has four pillars of focus: stewardship of the Trail, promotion of the Trail, building a strong Trail community, and building an organization with sound governance. These pillars guide our long-term direction as well as our day-to-day efforts to complete, promote, and protect the CDT.
Visit Continental Divide Trail Coalition
Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study
The primary goal of this study was to understand who uses the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), how they use it, their preferences, and the economic impact of the CDT in the region. Additional data were also collected regarding protecting public lands and using the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado.
2022 CDT Small Business Survey
From August to December 2021, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition surveyed 136 small business owners in 38 communities located along the Continental Divide Trail to learn more about how the Continental Divide Trail impacts their businesses, the local economy, and their support for public lands.
Everything you need to know about the positive impact of trails on health, environment, economics, and more.
