The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) stretches 3,100 miles from Canada to Mexico, crossing Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. While it was originally envisioned as a multiple-use trail, its National Scenic Trail (NST) designation has led to motorized restrictions, land use conflicts, and federal overreach—a cautionary tale for anyone concerned about the future of the Alaska Long Trail.
The following documents provide critical insights into the policies, management strategies, and concerns regarding the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). These documents highlight motorized use restrictions, land acquisition policies, and the expansion of federal oversight—issues that could directly impact the Alaska Long Trail if it receives National Scenic Trail (NST) designation.
🔹 [CDNST Comprehensive Plan Comments (2009)] – View Document
📄 Why It Matters:
Documents public and advocacy group comments on the CDNST Comprehensive Plan.
Shows strong support for making the CDNST exclusively non-motorized, reinforcing the push to eliminate motorized access.
Highlights federal agencies prioritizing "scenic integrity" over multiple-use access.
🔹 [CDT Optimal Location Review (OLR) (2017)] – View Document
📄 Why It Matters:
Guides the relocation of the trail to ensure it aligns with non-motorized recreation goals.
Identifies private lands for potential acquisition or easement pressure.
Calls for the CDNST to be moved away from motorized routes, industrial areas, and private operations.
🔹 [CDNST Directive Comments (2007)] – View Document
📄 Why It Matters:
Advocacy groups push for explicit motorized bans, reinforcing the intent to remove motorized users.
The directive prioritizes scenic, primitive, and non-motorized recreation, excluding ATVs and snowmachines.
Local stakeholders have little influence—trail management is controlled by federal agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).