Representatives from the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) met recently with members of the Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board to guide the town through the process of becoming a CDTC Gateway Community.
“You guys are already doing everything that a Gateway Community does,” CDTC Executive Director Teresa Martinez said. She added that at this point it is just a matter of filling out the application, having the town council issue a proclamation of support and organizing some type of event to welcome trail hikers.
According to the application, “The CDT Gateway Program is a commitment to the Continental Divide Trail that highlights a community’s understanding of the trail’s importance to America and the community.”
Congress established the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) in 1978. It spans 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada, traversing five states and connecting a number of communities along its route.
The CDTC is the nonprofit organization working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management to protect, promote and preserve the Continental Divide Trail.
The CDTC was founded by a group of citizens passionate about the CDNST and works to build a strong community of supporters and trail enthusiasts who want to see the trail completed and protected, not just for today’s users, but for future generations to come.
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