U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced important progress on his Continental Divide Trail Completion Act after it was featured during a hearing to consider pending legislation in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks today.

The bipartisan legislation, introduced with U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior to prioritize completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) by the trail’s 50th anniversary in 2028.

During the hearing, Heinrich expressed that “improving the trail route by closing gaps and making needed relocations will significantly improve trail safety and enjoyment for visitors, enhancing the trail’s ability to support recreation and conservation along the Continental Divide”. Heinrich explained that he introduced the legislation with Senator Daines to “improve the safety, accessibility, and quality of this National Scenic Trail that connects Americans to amazing landscapes across five Western states”.

Heinrich closed his remarks by saying that “in passing this legislation, we can ensure that the natural, cultural, and economic value of this incomparable trail will be conserved for generations to come.”

Designated by Congress as part of the National Trail System in 1978, the CDT stretches more than 3,000 miles and passes through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The trail follows the Continental Divide and transverses some of the nation’s most treasured natural, historic, and cultural resources. 

Since the CDT’s creation, stakeholders have worked tirelessly to complete the trail. Today, more than 160 miles of the trail require diversions onto roadways and highways, and 600 miles of the trail require relocation. Closing these gaps and relocating these segments will help better maintain the trail’s purpose while ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey for visitors. 

The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act, introduced with U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), would direct the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior to prioritize completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) by the trail’s 50th anniversary in 2028. 

A video of Wednesday’s hearing can be viewed here. The full witness testimony can be viewed here. A copy of the full bill text of the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act can be found here.