Continental Divide Trail CoalitionCONNECTING THE COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

InsidePresident’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Accomplishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, A .K .A The CDT . . . . 6

Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Feature Hike: The Big Loop . . . . 8

Become a Volunteer . . . . . . . . . . .11

Feature Partner: Headwaters Trail Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

First Edition!

Volume 1, First Edition

Crowdfunding LaunCh Partytuesday, May 21st

See back page for more details

2

Letter from the PresidentCDTC Board of Directors

Bryan MartinPresident

Josh ShuskoVice President

Kerry ShakarjianSecretary

Teresa MartinezTreasurer

Don OwenCDTC Board Member

The CDTC is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization

Passages layout and design by Dana Foulks.

Cover image: Glacier National Park, Photo by Kerry Shakarjian

Page 7 photo credits: Chris Burke, Gabriel Pramuk, Jack Haskel, Paul Magnanti, and Remy Levin

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” This

quote by Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu is over 2,500 years old but yet I think it perfectly captures the Continental Divide Coalition, the Trail we serve, and the thousands of recreationists who access the Trail every year. In each instance, our very large goals will be accomplished deed by deed, mile by mile, and person by person.

With this inaugural newsletter, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition is taking its first step to better communicate and coordinate with our supporters and partners. We believe that if we are going to accomplish our vision for the CDT, we are going to need a community of supporters not just behind us passively but right there next to us in partnership, working collaboratively to accomplish our goals. We want to walk down the trail with you and celebrate in the journey with our friends.

We are already doing a lot to outreach to our supporters with almost 2,900 friends on Facebook and multiple daily postings to the social networking site. We have sent a contingent to Washington DC for American Hiking Society’s “Hike the Hill” where we were able to meet with elected representatives and agency leads who hold sway over the budgets and policies effecting the CDT. And in the coming weeks, we plan to formerly announce ourselves to the 25 National Forests, eight BLM Resource Area, three National Parks, and one National Monument the Trail travels through by mailing each recreation lead for the unit an overview of our organization and how we would like to work with them.

We are building our board by outreaching to supporters and leaders for ideas about prospective candidates both close to the Trail and around the country. We believe a National Scenic Trail deserves a board of national significance and we will continue to search for the strongest possible board members for CDTC. We hope to have a board of eight by the end of 2013.

In this newsletter you’ll learn more about the great work we are doing; from getting ready for the field season, to working with our lead agency partners, to raising funds for the Trail. With each project we take on and each challenge we face there is one common theme – YOU! The Trail needs your involvement.

As board president, having participated on my first volunteer crew for the CDT ten years ago this May, I know firsthand that I can’t do it all and that our mission will take another generation to accomplish. It is daunting to be sure, but the perseverance, commitment, and professionalism that I have seen from our founding board; the enthusiasm of our volunteers eager to pick up a shovel, write a check, or map the Trail; and the supportiveness of our federal and nonprofit partners has been inspirational and gives me the confidence to say that we can accomplish our goals this year and in years to come.

Bryan Martin, CDTC President

Bryan enjoying his favorite winter past time along the divide in Colorado!

3

2012 (and a little of 2013) accomplishmentsIt’s been a busy year for the

Continental Divide Trail Coalition. Many of our 2012 accomplishments are activities that will build a strong foundation for our organization, community, and a Trail that, once complete, will not only be built well, but protected for generations to come and accessible for anyone wishing to experience this national landmark! Here are a few highlights we’d like to share with you.

Continental divide trail Coalition incorporated and receives 501 (c) (3) statusThe first meetings to discuss the formation of the Coalition took place almost a year ago. After these critical meetings with future partners, Agency Partners, and most importantly Jim Wolf and CDT users, supporters, volunteers CDTC’s founding directors, Bryan Martin, Josh Shusko, Kerry Shakarjian, and Teresa Martinez, incorporated the CDTC in the State of Colorado on June 14, 2012. The team began feverishly developing the IRS application for 501 (c) (3) status which was approved on November 19. CDTC then began to gain appropriate recognition in the State of Colorado, and CDTC submitted its first 990 form in March of 2013 and is considered an organization in good standing. Not bad for an organization only 9 months old. This entire effort required lots of hard work and support and CDTC wishes to specifically thank Sol Flax, our SCORE counselor for helping and guiding us through this daunting task and process. In addition, to all of our advisory committee members who reviewed the documents and applications, multiple times in some cases, our progress is a direct result of your efforts. Thank YOU!

CdtC launches its blog, twitter, facebook and websiteAnymore these days, social media is king and the potential to connect to people all around the globe because of these mediums is staggering. CDTC hosts and maintains three social media accounts, and one website. For quick updates about happenings on the Trail or CDTC, please visit our facebook and twitter sites, for more in depth ramblings about major events, please visit our blog, and always check on our website for general trail information and updates, projects CDTC is currently working on, and contacts for many of the resources that may help support your next CDT adventure. Our website also boasts an interactive map that allows you to hone in on your favorite CDT segment and see it with great detail. If you have a story you wish to share, just contact us at info@continentaldividetrail.org. And please, feel free to share, share, share away! We will continue to build up our website with all the critical information you need to support your next adventure, and welcome any feedback, and hope by the end of the year to be your complete one stop shop for all information CDT related. Stay tuned.

CdtC sponsors a 2013 CdnSt calendar photo contestIn late August 2012, CDTC hosted a Photo Contest to help us develop a 2013 CDNST Calendar. We had over 150 submissions, and selected 14 images for inclusion in the calendar! CDTC wishes to thank everyone, again, for their contributions, and hopes when we launch the 2014 Photo Contest, we will be equally challenged to select just 14 images! Calendars are still available via the CDTC Trail Store.

CdtC hosts national Public Lands day Volunteer trail Maintenance dayCDTC hosted a small volunteer event to do some trail maintenance along the Herman Gulch Trail section in Colorado. Volunteers maintained one mile of Trail cleaning out 7 water bars, installing two grade dips, 20 feet of junk cribbing to define the Trail Tread, and reached over 100 people (and maybe as many dogs) during the day. In total volunteers contributed 20 hours of volunteer labor!

CdtC’s holds a visioning sessionIn November, CDTC held a visioning session calling together individuals from our advisory committee to help us craft our mission, vision, and values statements. Guided by our expert facilitator, Cate Bradley, of the National

4

Park Service’s River’s, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, who graciously gave up a day of her time to support the effort, we arrived at a series of statements that we all agreed represented the direction, tone and spirit of the CDTC, and our quickly growing community. We specifically wish to thank Paul (PMags) Magnanti, Lawton (Disco) Grinter, Mike Matzuk, Bill Pollick, Anneliese Ring, Greg Pierce, and Cate Bradley for all your hard work and efforts that day, and since.

hike the hill – CdtC goes to dCIn February 2013, CDTC Board members Teresa Martinez, Kerry Shakarjian, and Don Owen, traveled to Washington D.C. to increase awareness of and support for the CDT and introduce our organization to our elected officials, members of the administration, staff at the Department of Interior and Agriculture and with our many conservation organization partners. We participated in American Hiking Society’s “Hike the Hill” Event with our PNTS Partners to ensure voice and desire to keep these precious Trail resources protected and funded was heard! We also attended the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) Board and Leadership Council Meetings, as CDTC Board member Teresa Martinez also sits on PNTS Board of Directors.

Collaborative Landscape ProposalOne of our key messages in DC was raising awareness and support for the Collaborative Landscape Proposal (CLP) which commits 60 Million dollars of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to a myriad of land acquisition projects across the entire National Trails System. CDTC participated in the CLP Project from its inception in

May 2012 because two tracts along the CDT are included in this proposal. Work included helping compile data on all land acquisition needs for the CDT, prioritizing these with the USFS, and identifying parcels to be considered in the proposal. The four US Land Management Agencies then selected the parcels to be included and we have been working to ensure this effort is successful ever since. As of April 14th, this project is included in the 2014 President’s budget.

Public involvement, trail management & planningCDTC staff prepared comments on several major project proposals impacting the Trail and the management of its corridor. This included comments on the revision of the National Forest Planning Rule and responses to Trail relocation proposals, vegetation management proposals, travel management planning efforts and energy development projects. Our goal is to ensure the CDT is not only protected, but that the corridor is managed to be consistent with standards for a National Scenic Trail.

CdtC launches its membership programIt was a momentous occasion when CDTC was able to launch its membership program in February of 2013. To date, CDTC boasts 140 members, of which 48 are Charter Members. Additionally, CDTC now has eight business partners. Information on becoming a member of CDTC can be found on our website, or at the back page of our newsletter. To all of

you whom have already joined CDTC- THANK YOU!- your support has helped us launch our efforts and really begin to accomplish our 2013 Work Plan. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your membership, please contact us at 720-340-2382 (CDTC) or membership@continentaldividetrail.org.

uSfS region 2 recruits CdtC’s Kerry Shakarjian to manage Cdt giS dataBack in September 2012, Kerry Shakarjian, CDTC’s GIS Program Director, met with key individuals from the US Forest Service Region 2 Resource Information Group. After updating the Forest Service about the

Teresa Martinez, right, speaking on behalf of the Partnership for the National Trail System meeting with Leslie Weldon, Deputy Chief of the USFS in Washington, DC. Photo by Kerry Shakarjian.

5

status of CDTC and our willingness and ability to continue efforts to manage the CDT GIS spatial information, Kerry was provided the necessary software tools to manage CDT GIS data. Because of this effort, the CDT GIS data continues to be updated today.

Cdt interactive MapCDTC produced and manages an interactive map found on CDTC’s website and contains information for users, volunteers, and partners alike. Soon we will have the 2013 Volunteer Project locations on the map, as well the distribution of CDTC’s members using only towns and states. Keep your eye open for downloadable Google Earth files of the CDT on our website soon!

Board developmentAs an organization building its foundation, CDTC Board of Directors have met weekly to adjust and manage the organization and its progress. Most recently in February, CDTC Board selected Don Owen as our first Member outside of the founding Directors. Don is currently the Executive director Director of a highly successful nonprofit land trust

in northern Virginia, where he lives with his family. His past experience includes work with the National Park Service’s Appalachian Trail Park Office where he was responsible for amongst many other things, corridor design for the Appalachian Trail land protection program, and environmental and cultural resource compliance, responding to threats, and team leadership for natural and cultural resource management and planning for the A.T.’s Corridor. He also spent many years in Colorado, where he was a land specialist with the BLM. We are thrilled to welcome Don onto our Board!

If you know of people who might be great candidates for our Board, who have an interest in the CDT, are willing to work as a team to build the CDTC, please send them our way. There is a formal process to be considered a Board candidate, but we welcome any interest in participation!

While these are just a few of our highlights, CDTC has been kept on our toes by the happenings in and around the establishment of our organization, and with the happenings in and around the Trail Corridor. And,

while just a small snapshot of our activities, if you have any interest in helping us in any of these activities, please know you are always welcome and encouraged to help!

For comments or questions you can reach CDTC at 720-340-2382 (CDTC) or info@continentaldividetrail.org.

Planning a day hike, section hike or thru hike? GreenPackin’ offers organic, vegan, biodegradable and low environmental impact backpacking & outdoor products with the added convenience of shopping through one site. GreenPackin’ will ship your order to any of our National Scenic Trail network sites or to any other location you specify.

Facebook.com/GreenPackin twitter.com/GreenPackin

In the Wind River Range, Wyoming. Photo by Eric Herbst.

6

Continental divide national Scenic trail, a.k.a. the Cdtthe basics: Location: United States

Length: About 3,100 miles

Northern Terminus: Canadian Border, Glacier National Park

Southern Terminus: Mexican Border, Big Hatchets Wilderness Conservation Area

Highest Point: Gray’s Peak, Colorado at 14,270 feet

Lowest Point: Waterton Lake, in Glacier National Park at 4,200 feet

States it Travels through: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico

What’s the Trail for: Hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, hunting, sight seeing, wildlife watching, contemplation, solitude and community.

fun facts:Protection: The CDT was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1978 by the Congressional oversight Committee of the National Trails System.

Thru Hikers: In 2013 we estimate 250 people will attempt an end to end continuous thru hike of the CDT each year. The average time to complete it is six months, averaging 17 miles per day.

Stand Alone: The CDT is the highest and most remote of the National Scenic Trails. It is also the longest of the Triple Crown Trails that include the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails.

Longest Roadless Section: Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado

what the trail includes: • 25 National Forests

• 21 Wilderness Areas

• 8 Bureau of Land Management resource areas

• 3 National Parks

• 1 National Monument

• Best place/time to start: Northbound: March or April from Mexico/New Mexico Border

• Southbound: June from the Montana/Canada border

• Both directions have challenges related to weather and terrain.

• Most people who travel Northbound end up “flip flopping” along the way to find best travel conditions, while most South bounders have the best chance of a continuous thru hike.

Permits: There isn’t a broad permit for the entire CDT, but there are separate ones for Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Here kitty, kitty: Mountain lions, grizzly bears, elk, rattlesnakes, Moose, wolves, javelinas - name it and you will probably see it along the CDT.

Challenges and Risks: Lightning, moving water, avalanche, hypothermia, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, Giardiasis, altitude, snow and sun blindness, wildlife and human error can all play into the chances of a successful “thru-hike” along the Trail.

history:Founded by: Benton Mackeye and members of the Rocky Mountain Trail Association and the Colorado Mountain Club originally developed the concept of the CDT. Jim Wolf and the Continental Divide Trail Society built upon their work and helped ensure the CDT was included in the 1978 National Trails System Act.

The first thru hike: David Maceyka and a small group documented the first hike of the CDT in the 1930’s.

Original Name: The Blue Can Trail. Named for the founders who first walked the Trail, marking their path with blue cans nailed to trees.

Year Proposed to Congress: 1966

Year it was designated: 1978

Sources: Continental Divide Trail Coalition, United States Forest Service.

On the Montana/Idaho Border. Photo by Jack “Found” Haskel.

7

SunSet near MontezuMa Peak

San LuiS PaSS

outh of LeMhi PaSS

the CDt near LeaDviLLe

The Loop

feature hike: the Big Loop by Chris BurkeIt happened while I was spreading maps out looking for my next CDT section hike. I just hadn’t seen it before. But, then I realized, you can make a big loop on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and Colorado Trail (CT) in central Colorado. From Georgia Pass, south to Twin Lakes, the CT and CDT are co-aligned, but then they diverge until just south of Monarch Pass. Where the trails are separate constitute the loop. I called it the Sawatch loop, after the range of peaks it traverses, but it’s now known as the Collegiates West Loop.

First, I did some quick logistics checks. Is there good access? Yes - both trails cross CO-82 at Twin Lakes, Cottonwood Pass, and US-50 near Monarch Pass. Are there sufficient resupply opportunities? Yes - Twin Lakes has a store and several places to stay. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs resort lies directly on the Colorado Trail. The Monarch Mountain Lodge along US-50 is open in summer and has a hotel and restaurant. I figured that with a couple of carefully chosen parking spots for my rig, and a couple of crucial rides between trailheads, I could walk this loop and spend no more than two nights out in a row. And all this while walking through some of the most rugged, wild, and scenic places in the Rocky Mountain West.

So in August of 2010 I flew to Denver and drove to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs resort. After exhausting myself on a

day hike up Mt. Princeton, a 14er, I stayed a second night at the resort. While the resort does not cater exclusively to hikers, there are motel rooms and the restaurant is excellent. I had previously arranged for a ride from the resort to the Trail, so we drove my vehicle and the resort’s to the CDT crossing of Cottonwood Pass Road. My rig was left at the Timberline Trailhead, and we drove to the CT crossing of the Cottonwood Pass road at Avalanche Trailhead. I got out of the car and day hiked south along the Colorado Trail, all the way to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs resort, where I spent a third night in the motel.

So far I had spent one day hiking the loop, and three nights in a luxurious resort. I believe in easing into these things. The next morning I hoisted my backpack and began some real hiking, south on the CT toward Monarch Pass. During this three-day walk I took a nearly full-day side trip to the summit of Mt. Antero, another 14er. Princeton and Antero are by no means the only 14ers close to this loop route. A little farther south a trail leads to the summits of Shavano and Tabeguache. Also nearby are Huron, La Plata, Yale, Harvard, and Columbia. And the route itself traverses the slopes of Elbert and Massive.

Back on the CT, I kept going until I reached US-50. Here a handy abandoned railroad grade led to the highway close to the Monarch Mountain Lodge. I checked in - it seemed I was the only guest - and a worker there was kind enough to drive me into Salida for resupply.

The Monarch Mountain Lodge treated me well and I used it as a base for three days. On day one I got a ride to Monarch Pass, and walked the CDT south to where the CT connects at South Fooses Creek. I took the CT down the creek, to US-50, and back to Monarch Mountain Lodge. The next day I was driven to Monarch Pass, but this time I walked north on the CDT to a point a mile from the Monarch Mountain Lodge. The attentive reader may now gather I spent yet another night in a motel.

So far I had logged four day-hikes and one three-day backpack trip, spent two nights camping and six nights in motels. That was about to change. Next up was a hard three days of hiking on the CDT north to the Cottonwood Pass road. The character of the CDT in this area could not be more different from that of the CT. While the CT leads along gentle slopes with many hikers, the CDT is rugged, wild, and nearly unpopulated. I met a dozen or more CT thru-hikers but only one hiker on the CDT.

8

9

The path led over Chalk Creek Pass and then to the ghost town of Hancock. There the CDT joins a famous old railroad grade that leads directly to the collapsed railroad tunnel under Alpine Pass. This stretch is paradise for a fan of old railroad grades like me. Some bits of the trail still had old rotting ties in the roadbed. The tunnel entrance area was also fascinating. This railroad was built in the heyday of rail travel, but annual heavy snow and eventual competition from automobiles meant the tunnel was kept open for fewer than 30 years. The trail climbed from the tunnel entrance to the top of Alpine Pass where there was a great view of the old rail grade emerging from the mountain and heading south.

The next day I took a six-mile side trip to a village called Tincup. I knew there was a restaurant and I stopped for a

burger. There wasn’t much else in this town to tempt a hiker so I resumed walking. The next morning I stepped onto Cottonwood Pass and found my car waiting after nine days. As a reward for completing half of my trip, I treated myself to a steak and a hotel in Buena Vista.

Another day, another ride from the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs resort staff. This time we left my car at the Avalanche Trailhead, and drove to the Timberline Trailhead where I started walking north on the CDT. I walked through the scenic Texas Creek valley and then over a high pass toward Lake Ann. The weather began to look ominous so I camped in some trees. The rain mostly held off until the next morning, but then the rain fell and the temperature dropped at least twenty degrees. As I walked down the Clear Creek Road the

rain stopped and the clouds parted to reveal fresh snow on the peaks.

The final part of this section was along a painfully steep section of trail over Hope Pass. Here Twin Lakes and Mount Elbert came into view. The trail goes along the south side of Twin Lakes past an abandoned resort, and then crosses the dam that creates the lakes. I could hardly believe it, but there was a guard patrolling the dam. He told me the Twin Lakes dam was an obvious terrorist target, but evidently a lone hiker was not a threat, and he let me cross. I stayed in the Ores and Mine bed and breakfast just across the dam for two nights. The owners were very pleasant and accommodating. On the intervening day, I day hiked north to the Mt. Elbert Trailhead and back.

Finally I began the last leg of my epic loop. I walked south on the CT, back across the dam to where the two trails diverge. For about half a day the CT meandered around on dirt roads near old mines. After crossing Clear Creek, the trail climbed steeply and entered more wild country. Here the CT was an up-and-down challenge, and I got fairly tired on the last steep climb up Silver Creek toward Mt. Yale. On the last day I climbed a few hundred feet, and then descended a few thousand feet toward my rig parked at Avalanche Trailhead.

The hike was 17 days, and with side trips totaled 217 miles.

Chris Burke is a CDT section hiker from WA. His next big CDT hike is planned May 2013.

The Twin Lakes. Photo by Dana Foulks

10

www.ula-equipment.com

ULA is proud to be a business partner of the CDTC lightweight durable and comfortable backpacks sewn in the USA

are you a Cdt thru hiker?

Section hikers/riders and thru hikers/riders who complete the CDT can report their journey to the

Continental Divide Trail Coalition by filling out the Continental Divide Trail Completion Form.

CDT thru-hikers/riders who report their adventure along the CDT will be added to our roster of

thru hikers/riders and will receive a certificate of recognition and a CDT Patch. Also, each

year’s thru hiker roster is published in the March/April newsletter. In order to be included in the magazine, regardless of the year of completion,

applications must be sent to CDTC by December 31st of the current year.

Link to Completion Form

thru hikers trail name year

ULA is proud to be a business partner of the CDTC

Lightweight, durable and comfortable backpacks

sewn in the USAwww.ula-equipment.com

Michelle Ellinwood Shell 2002Bob Ellinwood Dr. Bob 2002Robert Sylvester Sly 2002Shawn Forry Pepper 2006Lawton Grinter Disco 2006Felicia Hermosilla Princess of Darkness 2006Brian Miller 2008Jacob Down Don’t Panic 2010Jack Haskel Found 2010Katie Howe Wing IT 2010 Avelino Tamayo Makai 2010Drew Hebert Abear 2011Kevin Jacobs Fandango 2011Ben Newkirk Smooth 2011Kaitlin Allen Jetpack 2012Elaine Bissonno Brazil Nut 2012Nancy Huber Why Not 2012Richard Ostehimer Handlebar 2012

11

Become a Volunteer!Please join any of the of following organizations and become a volunteer on the CDNST! Or, check out CDTC’s Event Calendar to find one of the many projects occurring this year with information on how to sign up and volunteer!

Continental divide trail Coalition workCDTC Partner Work – 2013

New Mexico Partners

New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors: www.nmvfo.org

Project Locations and Dates

• June 9-June 15 – John Kerr Peak

• Canijillon Lakes – dates coming soon

Colorado Partners

Colorado Trail Foundation: www.coloradotrail.org

Project Location and Dates

• August 3-10 – Winfield I

• August 10-17 – Winfield II

• August 17-24 – Winfield III

• August 17-24 – Tunnel Gulch/CTF I

• August 24-31 – Tunnel Gulch/CTF II

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado: www.voc.orgProject Location and Dates• June 14-16 – Clear Creek I

• June 21-23 – Clear Creek II

• June 28-30 – Clear Creek III

• July 12-14 – Clear Creek IV

• July 20-21 – Tunnel Gulch

• July 26-28 – Clear Creek V

• August 10-16 – Ute Creek

• August 30-September 1 – Clear Creek VI

• August 30-September 2 – Wolf Creek Pass

• September 6-8 – Clear CreekVII

• September 13-15 – Clear Creek VIII

• September 20-22 – Clear Creek IX

Wyoming Partners

Montana Wilderness Association: www.cdtmontana.orgProject Locations and Dates• September 5-10 – Shoshone Lake, Yellowstone National Park

Idaho and Montana Partners

Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation: www.bmwf.org/volunteer.php

Montana Wilderness Association: www.cdtmontana.org

Project Locations and Dates

• June 14-21 – Shineberger Creek, MT

• June 23-29 – Aldous Lake

• July 1-7 – Elk Calf Mountain I

• July 5-7 – Warren Peak, MT

• July 19-21 – Bison Mountain

• July 19-27 – Warren Lake

• August 11-18 – Strawberry Creek

• August 18-24 – Bullhead Lake

• September 7-14 – Rainbow Pass

• September 13-17 – Granite Butte Look Out

A happy trail building team. Photo by Stephanie Friday.

To see these projects please go to our Interactive Map.

12

feature Partner: headwaters trail allianceHeadwaters Trails Alliance (HTA) is a non-profit advocacy group for trails in Grand County, CO. HTA is comprised of county and town planners and trails enthusiasts with a mission to identify, maintain, and expand an accessible, interconnecting trail system in Grand County for appropriate multi-user groups. We accomplish this through grant writing and organizing volunteer workdays. We also organize various fund-raisers and special events with the goal of promoting our local trails for both residents and visitors. We actively work with the local land management agencies to collaborate on various trails projects and events such as National Public Lands Day (NPLD) and the local Adopt a Trail Program. Together with Grand County Tourism Board, HTA provides the local trails map. The winter grooming program is a collaborative effort with Fraser Valley Partnership for Trails and provides free Nordic skiing to all. HTA also takes part in educational outreach programs for youth.

Which areas along the CDT has your group maintained, built, experienced? HTA has helped fund and organize the local National Public Lands Day event for 18 years. Much of the work done on the CDT has been possible through this event. In 2005, the Sulphur Ranger District (SRD) chose the Hi Lonesome Trail section of the CDT for their NPLD project. Improvements included some re-route work, puncheon construction and a 30’ long creek crossing for horse and foot traffic. In 2006, SRD once again tackled improvements to the Hi Lonesome section and completed construction of check dams, French drains, armored stream crossings, and completed bridge abutments. About 100 feet of trail was crowned, 500 feet of new trail construction was created for a re-route, and 200 feet of old trail was rehabilitated. Sulphur Ranger District chose the CDT again for their 2008 NPLD project. This time work was done on the Devils Thumb Ranch area of the High Lonesome Trail to provide routine maintenance on this

high impact trail and to protect natural surrounding areas by preventing soil erosion. In 2008 and 2009, the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) NPLD project worked to provide an easier access between NPS and USFS portions of the CDNST in order to move the CDT off a motorized section. The most recent work was done in 2011, when RMNP chose the Bowen Gulch Connector Trail as their National Public Lands Day project whereby a 100 foot turnpike was constructed, as well as a 20 foot log stream crossing. Indeed, our local NPLD event has been an important avenue in completing improvements and bringing awareness about the CDT. East Shore Trail head improvements were also completed in 2011, including improvements to landscaping, parking and signage.

What does your group find special about the CDT and participating in its stewardship? The fact that this iconic trail passes through our community is truly cherished. We hope that each and every person that travels through our area on the CDT is welcomed by our small mountain community and finds comfort and beauty which enhances their journey.

What are your future plans for work along the CDT? HTA has plans to complete trail improvements on the East Shore Trail which will guarantee a sustainable, durable design to minimize impact from trail use.

Are there other programs your group supports? HTA works with the local land management agencies on the local Adopt a Trail Program, National Public Lands Day, and trail work/closure information outreach. We produce the local trail map, help

HTA after a long day of work. Photo by Maura McNight.

13

www.thetrailshow.com

facebook.com/thetrailshow

twitter.com/trailshow

Filling the Hiking void in your Podcast Library.

The Trail Show is a monthly mash-up of all things trail!

Broadcasting live from the Historic Beer District of Boulder, CO...

It’s The Trail Show !

provide free Nordic skiing and offer outdoor education programs for youth.

What sections of the CDT are your most favorite and why? The Devils Thumb Ranch area of Hi Lonesome Trail, because I was married in that area.

What are your hopes for working with the CDTC as partners in support of the CDT in the areas you visit? We hope to collectively install important informational signage, provide better local outreach, create an Adopt a Trail program for the East Shore Trail (and possibly other CDT sections), and help support the National Park Service and US Forest Service in their dedication to protecting this enormous asset we are so blessed to enjoy in our community. – Maura McNight, Executive Director HTA

HTA on the CDT during NPLD Project. Photo by Maura McNight.

.

Used with Artist Permission: Cole Habay - Flagstaff, AZ

2013 National Scenic and Historic Trails Conference

November 3-6, 2013 Tucson, Arizona

National Trails: Weaving the Tapestry of America’s Cultures, Histories, and Landscapes

Join us for the 14th National Scenic and Historic Trails Conference, where we will weave together ideas around our goals of raising public awareness of the National Trails System, completing and enhancing the designated National Trails and building the trail community so we form a network of community-based stewards of natural and cultural resources.

The three main strands we will follow at the conference are:

· Telling our stories and engaging new partners · Preserving special places and protecting the tapestry of the land · Strengthening our trail organizations and our trail communities

If you have ideas for specific topics or workshops that fit these topics or that weave them together, please contact the Program Team Chairs – Gary Werner, Partnership for the National Trails System, nattrails@ aol.com or 608-249-7870 OR Steven Gonzales, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association, steven@elcaminorealde lostejas.org or 512-850-9073.

The conference will be at the Westward Look Wyndham, an Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association (AzHLA) green hotel.

Conference hosts: Partnership for the National Trails System with support from the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Federal Highway

Westward Look Wyndham. Photo by Liz Wessel, Green Concierge Travel.

Administration, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Local organizational hosts include the Anza Trail Coalition of Arizona, Anza Trail Foundation, Arizona Trail Association, and the Old Spanish Trail Association. (March 2013).

Join us for the 14th National Scenic and Historic Trails Conference, where we will weave together ideas around our goals of raising public awareness of the National Trails System, completing and enhancing the designated National Trails and building the trail community so we form a network of community-based stewards of natural and cultural resources. The three main strands we will follow at the conference are: • Telling our stories and engaging new partners • Preserving special places and protecting the tapestry of the land • Strengthening our trail organizations and our trail communities The conference will be at the Westward Look Wyndham, an Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association (AzHLA) green hotel. Conference hosts: Partnership for the National Trails System with support from the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Federal Highway Administration, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Local organizational hosts include the Anza Trail Coalition of Arizona, Anza Trail Foundation, Arizona Trail Association, and the Old Spanish Trail Association. (March 2013).

.

Used with Artist Permission: Cole Habay - Flagstaff, AZ

2013 National Scenic and Historic Trails Conference

November 3-6, 2013 Tucson, Arizona

National Trails: Weaving the Tapestry of America’s Cultures, Histories, and Landscapes

Join us for the 14th National Scenic and Historic Trails Conference, where we will weave together ideas around our goals of raising public awareness of the National Trails System, completing and enhancing the designated National Trails and building the trail community so we form a network of community-based stewards of natural and cultural resources.

The three main strands we will follow at the conference are:

· Telling our stories and engaging new partners · Preserving special places and protecting the tapestry of the land · Strengthening our trail organizations and our trail communities

If you have ideas for specific topics or workshops that fit these topics or that weave them together, please contact the Program Team Chairs – Gary Werner, Partnership for the National Trails System, nattrails@ aol.com or 608-249-7870 OR Steven Gonzales, El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association, steven@elcaminorealde lostejas.org or 512-850-9073.

The conference will be at the Westward Look Wyndham, an Arizona Hotel & Lodging Association (AzHLA) green hotel.

Conference hosts: Partnership for the National Trails System with support from the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Federal Highway

Westward Look Wyndham. Photo by Liz Wessel, Green Concierge Travel.

Administration, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Local organizational hosts include the Anza Trail Coalition of Arizona, Anza Trail Foundation, Arizona Trail Association, and the Old Spanish Trail Association. (March 2013).

Westward Look Wyndham. Photo by Liz Wessel Green Concierge Travel

14

15

Name

Address

City

State Zip

Phone

Email address

Paying by check

Online Membership Form

Yes, I want to support the CDTC! Membership Fees: CDTC “Friend” $5.00

CDTC Student Member $25.00

CDTC General Member $35.00

CDTC Charter Member $100.00 (exp. 12/31)

CDTC Business Partner $200.00

CDTC “E” members Free

Depending on your membership level, you may receive the following benefits:

• CDTC and CDT decals and 5% discounts at the Trail Store

• CDTC Newsletter (three times a year)

• Invitations to CDTC events and volunteer projects

• Knowledge that your membership helps support the important work of the CDTC!

• CDT CalendarThank you for your support! The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your membership dues are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Charter MembersSusan BatesJerry BrownChris BurkeClare CainElisabeth ChaplinPaul CorbeilMike DawsonJohn DufourAllen FilsonArthur FoleyDana FoulksTambi GustafsonSara Glasgow Jim HansmanDebra HayesJesse Hill Nancy HuberPeter Karnowski Karen KellerDuane KossDick KozollKevin LinebargerPaul MagnantiBernard Mann

Bryan MartinTeresa MartinezNicolas MartinezGary MonkJanie and Randy MoorePeter NecarsulmerRichard OstheimerDon OwenGreg PierceBill and Debra PollickCarlos SchomakerKerry ShakarjianJosh and Lisa ShuskoMal SilarsJames SippelMorgan SommervilleRebecca SudduthSteven SheppardRobert SylvesterMichael TamAvelino TamayoDaniel WeberScott WilliamsMike WollmerTim Zvada2013 CDT thru hikers

donorsCDTC wishes to thank the following people for their contributions over the past year. With out your support, our progress would simply not be possible. For more information on how you may support our efforts, please go to our web site or contact: Teresa Martinez at tmartinez at continentaldividetrail.org

$101-$500Arthur and Denise FoleyDebra Keller-HayesGary MonkGreg Pierce Bill and Debra PollickAnonymous

$1,000-$5,000Don and Amy Owen Anonymous

Business PartnersCDTC wishes to thank the following business and companies for all your support this year and willingness to become a CDTC Business Member. For more information on how your company or business may collaborate with CDTC please go to our website or contact: Teresa Martinez at tmartinez at continentaldividetrail.org

• Great Harvest Bread Co. Lakewood

• Green Packin’• Natural Elements

Photography• The Trail Show• ULA-Equipment• UPrinting.com• Walk2Connect• AC Golden Brewery

Continental Divide Trail CoalitionP.O. Box 552Pine, CO 80470(720) 340-CDTC (2382)email: info@continentaldividetrail.org

FINDING OUR WAY� the C�tin�tal Divide

CROWDFUNDING LAUNCH PARTYTUESDAY, MAY 21

6:00PM Doors Open7:00PM CDTC & Campaign Presentation7:30PM Campaign Goes Live!

6-8:30PM

RSVP:1) By emailing info@continentaldividetrail.org2) Through our Facebook Event Page

Fr� Ev�t!

LOCATION:The American Mountaineering Center & Museum, 710 10th Street, Golden, CO 80401

Come enjoy the American Mountaineering Museum, light �nger

foods, drinks, 10 min massages and an inspiring presentation on the CDTC

vision AND to support our campaign!

www.continentaldividetrail.org#hikecdt

US Postage

Can't make the event in person? There is a virtual event to attend as well! Help support our campaign RSVPing Facebook or email us, and then mark your calendar

to support the campaign online when it goes live at 7:30PM MST!