EBS STAFF
The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act, legislation that would support the stewardship of lands along gaps of Continental Divide National Scenic Trail , aiming for completion in 2028, will move to a hearing before the full Senate.
The CDTCA was introduced by New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich and Montana Sen. Steve Daines earlier this year, according to a release from the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.
“This is an important bill– it’s going to help spur recreation, economic development, and growing jobs, as well as helping our local gateway communities. The tourism economy generated from this bill supports our small businesses, and it supports jobs throughout the state of Montana,” Sen. Daines stated in the release.
On the 3,100-mile-long CDT, 160 miles remain incomplete, including a section in Butte, Montana.
“Because of the checkerboard nature of land ownership in Montana and other states, there are areas of the trail where hikers are forced to walk along highways and even cross dangerous intersections. This bipartisan bill will bridge these gaps by working with local communities and expanding resources and partnerships. This is an important bill for the West,” Daines added.
When completed by its 50th anniversary, the trail will bring trekkers through “five states, 20 national forests, 25 wilderness areas, three National Parks, two National Monuments, and 21 CDT Gateway Communities,” the release stated.
