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CDTA Launches New Initiative to Complete the "King of Trails"

From the Continental Divide Trail Alliance

Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) Chair and former Assistant Secretary of the Interior Rebecca W. Watson announced today a historic initiative to complete the Continental Divide Trail, beginning with a focus on the Collegiate Peaks area in central Colorado. The CDTA Board of Directors hosted a "Breakfast on the Trail" event to increase awareness of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and to highlight the need for volunteers and supporters at a time when federal land management agencies are working with diminished resources and increased responsibilities.

"The CDT unites us as people and is unique in the world," said Watson. "But with so many competing national priorities, it is difficult to get federal monetary support for the trail. The CDTA has done a great job of leveraging federal dollars with private donations and volunteer sweat equity, but more help is needed to finish the trail. The critical focus area initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to complete the last 1,000 miles of trail and breaks the remaining sections into manageable pieces."

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the CDTA, the National Forest Service, the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management to assess needs, raise private sector funds and increase the volunteer workforce. It recognizes the scarce federal government resources available and the necessity of engaging private individuals, companies and foundations in completing the trail.

About 240 miles of trail are left to complete in Colorado, and the Collegiate Peaks area represents a challenging 60 mile-long stretch. The Collegiate Peaks area includes much of the Sawatch Range and has the highest average elevation of any wilderness area in the United States.

The Continental Divide Trail was established by Congress as a National Scenic Trail in 1978. When complete, the "King of Trails" will be the most significant trail system in the world. Stretching 3,100 miles along the backbone of America from Canada to Mexico, it accesses some of the most wild and scenic places left in the world while conserving the environment and promoting personal well being.

Since 1995, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance has played a central role toward the completion, management and protection of the Trail and it is the voice for unity in the diverse story of the Trail.

For more information about the Continental Divide Trail, call (303) 838-3760 or toll-free 1-888-909-CDTA (2382). Or visit www.cdtrail.org

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