132 views • posted 08/19/2020 • updated 08/16/2023


The 2009 Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan

In order to achieve the objective of establishing a continuous trail of the magnitude and quality of the CDNST, it is necessary to establish a formal process for integrating the CDNST requirements into the long-range land and resource management programs of the various Federal and State agencies. Such a process should be both faithful to the intentions and requirements of the National Trails System Act and compatible with the regulations and procedures under which the agencies must work.

by USDA Forest Service

Preparation of the Comprehensive Plan for the CDNST is required by the National Trails System Act, P.L. 90-543 enacted on October 2, 1968 as amended. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the implementing regulations for each of the Federal agencies with responsibilities for the CDNST require assessment of the environmental impacts of locating the CDNST. In addition, each of the Federal agencies is required by various Acts of Congress to prepare and implement land and resource management plans for the Federal lands over which they have jurisdiction.

Because of the number of Federal and state land management agency jurisdictions and various political subdivisions traversed by the CDNST the Secretary of Agriculture intends that the Comprehensive Plan provide for a fully coordinated approach by each of the responsible Federal and State agencies for the location, development, and management of the CDNST. It is the goal of this Comprehensive Plan to provide a uniform CDNST program that reflects the purposes of the National Scenic Trail system, and allows for the use and protection of the natural and cultural resources found along the rights-of-way and located route on lands of all jurisdictions.

Attached document published January 2009

About the Author


To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

More articles by this author

More articles in this category

Alaska’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) 2023-2027

posted Oct 16, 2023

Outdoor recreation is vital to the lives and livelihoods of Alaskans. The state’s stunning wild landscapes, vast expanses of public land, productive ecosystems, vital cultural traditions, and four seasons of outdoor adventure position Alaska to be a world leader in outdoor recreation.

Trails For All Americans

posted Aug 23, 2023

What would it take for all Americans to be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes be on trails that wind through their cities, towns or villages and bring them back without retracing steps?

Gwinnett Countywide Trails Master Plan

posted Aug 16, 2023

Gwinnett County is currently the second most populous county in Georgia with more than 936,000 residents and also has a minority-majority population. By 2050, estimates project Gwinnett could grow to as many as 1.5 million residents, making it the most populated county in the state.

Envisioning a Statewide Connection Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study

posted Jun 14, 2023

Study shows completion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail System would bring significant health and economic benefits to the commonwealth.