Partnerships
“The Congress recognizes the valuable contributions that volunteers and private, nonprofit trail groups have made to the development and maintenance of the Nation's trails. In recognition of these contributions, it is further the purpose of this Act to encourage and assist volunteer citizen involvement in the planning, development, maintenance, and management, where appropriate, of trails.”
-National Trails System Act, 1968
Partners are Critical to Trail Success
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition and other non-profit conservation organizations provide a powerful voice and community in support of the trail. Aside from advocacy and public outreach work, these groups are also instrumental in completing much-needed trail maintenance and construction every year by organizing volunteer crews for trail work. While the Continental Divide Trail Coalition is the lead national non-profit partner working with federal agencies in support of the CDT, there are dozens of other organizations and volunteers along the length of the trail that complete vital work to improve the trail each year.
Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition, headquartered in Golden, CO, has been active since 2012 and is the nationwide nonprofit partner for the trail, with a mission to complete, promote, and protect the entire length of the Continental Divide Trail.
The Colorado Trail shares 314 miles with the Continental Divide Trail, making the Colorado Trail Foundation a key partner for trail maintenance and management in Colorado.
The Piikani (Blackfoot Nation) Trail Crew on the Continental Divide Trail in 2019.
(Photo courtesy of Sonny Mazzullo, MT Wilderness Alliance)