Action Alert Update: Continental Divide Trail Decision Expected Summer 2008

Action Alert

For Immediate Release
4-02-08
Contact: Drew Vankat, IMBA Policy Analyst

303-545-9011

Last fall, more than 7,000 concerned mountain bikers asked the Forest Service not to eliminate mountain biking along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Now, the agency is considering those comments and others as it develops its final directive for management of the epic 3,100-mile route. This document is expected mid-summer 2008.

The CDT, which runs the spine of the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico, is the only trail of such distance largely open to bicycles. It contains many famous sections, including the Monarch Crest Trail, an IMBA Epic. As written, the Forest Service's draft directive would have put bicycle access at risk along the entire route.

Many groups submitted comments in favor of continued bicycle access, including local governments, tourism officials, bicycle clubs and organizations, The Colorado Trail Foundation, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance and others. Mountain bikers' comments didn't ask for access to every mile of the CDT, but rather the continued use of non-Wilderness segments.

Grassroots support for bicycle access was supplemented by an aggressive campaign by IMBA at the regional and national level. IMBA staff met with key Forest Service personnel to request equitable treatment of bicycling on the CDT and continued access to sections currently open to our use.

Future updates will be posted on IMBA.com and in monthly eNewsletters.

For additional information, including details on the proposed Forest Service directive, please visit IMBA's archived action alerts:

Bike Access Under Fire on 3,100-Mile Continental Divide Trail

Bike Ban Looms Over Iconic Continental Divide Trail

Support the Continental Divide Trail

The Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will be hosting a Trail School on the CDT near Helena, Montana, September 13 and 14. Information, including free online registration, will be posted online closer to the event date.

The Colorado Trail Foundation hosts a series of trailwork events along The Colorado Trail, some of which are collocated with the CDT.

The Continental Divide Trail Alliance also organizes many trail care events along the CDT. Check out their schedule online.