News Along the Divide: New Mexico

Last week the CDTA announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between a number of agencies and organizations, making the trail a priority in New Mexico. The press release describes its importance best:

The MOU will further the high level of cooperation that already exists and will expand on the projects currently underway on the Trail. 740 miles of the CDT are within New Mexico, but only 46% of the New Mexico portion is complete, compared with 63% of the Trail overall. When complete, the Trail will link many of New Mexico's natural wonders such as El Malpais National Monument, famous for its unique landscape created by lava flows; Mount Taylor, a towering peak considered sacred by several nearby tribes; and the Big Hatchet Mountains, a remote and scenic area in the Southwest corner of the state. It will also connect with important historical and cultural sites such as Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, El Morro National Monument and the Zuni Acoma Trail.

It's big news for a state where much of the trail remains fragmented, a reason our teams and sections down there are so choppy. You can read the full release on the CDTA's media page.