Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Interpretive Plan 73 CDNST Interpretive Plan 1 2 CDNST Interpretive Plan Table of Contents 1. Introduction 5 3.3a. Three-Panel 7. Funding and Cost Estimates 31 Information/Orientation Kiosk 17 1.1 Planning Assumptions 5 3.3b. Continental Divide Sign 18 7.1 Funding 31 1.2 Legislative History 5 3.3c. Low Profile Interp Exhibits 18 7.2 Cost Estimates 31 1.3 Trail Purpose 6 3.3d. Electronic Media 18 7.3 Annual Operation And 1.4 Parameters For Trailhead 3.3e. Brochures 19 Maintenance 31 Interpretation 7 1.5 Management Policy And 4. Interp Design Guidelines 20 8. Evaluation Strategies and Direction - Goal 9 Techniques 32 1.6 Visitor Use And Analysis 10 5. Personal Services Program 21 8.1 Unobtrusive Methods 32 2. Interpretive Overview 11 5.1 Potential Interpretive 21 8.2 Obtrusive Methods 33 Opportunities 8.3 Recommended Exhibit 2.1 Interpretive Purpose & Goal 11 5.1.a. Informal (Roving) Evaluation Methods 33 2.2 Interpretive Objectives/Expected Interpretation 21 8.4 Summary 34 Outcomes 12 5.1.b. Conducted Interpretive 2.3 Statements Of Significance 13 Programs 21 Additional Resources 35 2.5 Sub–Themes 14 5.2 Program Planning 23 5.3 Suggested Personal Services Acknowledgements 36 3. Recommended Interpretive Interpretation 23 Opportunities 16 5.4 Conducting An Interpretive Program With Limited Staff and 3.1 Existing Conditions 16 Dollars 24 3.2 Proposed Interpretive Sites 16 5.5 Interpretive Resource Manual 26 3.2a. Level I Trailheads 16 5.6 Training 27 3.2b. Level II Trailheads 17 5.7 Summary 28 3.2c. Level III Trailheads 17 3.3 Recommended Actions 17 6. Marketing Recommendations 29 73 CDNST Interpretive Plan 3 APPENDIX A 39 APPENDIX C 55 APPENDIX E 67 Background for Statements of Wayside Exhibit Evaluation 55 Interpretive Program Outline 67 Significance 39 Program Evaluation APPENDIX B 45 APPENDIX D 61 Proposed Interpretation 45 Sample Program Plan 61 4 CDNST Interpretive Plan 1. Introduction The Continental Divide National Comprehensive Plan, 1985, the Forest media developed for the Scenic Trail (CDNST) Interpretive Service National Recreation Strategy, CDNST. Plan guides the development and 2001, and the Forest Service Draft · Interpretation will be a tool to implementation of information, National Interpretive Plan, 2001. (No educate the public about the orientation and interpretation for the USDI planning documents were managing public agencies, CDNST. Specifically, this plan received.) Significant changes in Continental Divide Trail includes interpretive goals, objectives, visitor use, or federal agency policies, Alliance (CDTA), and the themes, exhibit recommendations, and may require modification to this plan. natural and cultural resources design guidelines for interpretive The following assumptions serve as a along the CDNST. efforts associated with the trail. The foundation: · The agencies will evaluate and specific recommendations for monitor interpretive services. Monarch Pass Trailhead is an example · The CDNST Interpretive Plan of the next step of Proposed will provide an outline for all 1.2 Legislative History Interpretation (Appendix B), which information, orientation, and define the type of media, size of interpretive exhibits and The legislative mandate to the exhibits, and recommendations useful priorities, including messages Secretaries and the Federal agencies in developing exhibit plans. Future to be delivered at Level I, II, was originally contained in the 1968 development of interpretive media and III Trailheads as identified National Trails System Act. It will be consistent with this plan and in the Design Guideline. established policies and procedures evaluated against the goals and · The agencies will work for a nationwide system of trails objectives presented in this document. cooperatively with local consisting of National Recreation communities, nonprofit Trails, National Scenic Trails, and 1.1 Planning Assumptions organizations, and other connecting or side trails. The Act partners in developing designated the Appalachian Trail and This plan is based on a number of interpretive opportunities, as the Pacific Crest Trail as the initial assumptions about the current and appropriate. National Scenic Trails, and authorized anticipated future use and projected · The CDNST Interpretive Plan the study of the Continental Divide management of the CDNST. The will help strengthen agency National Scenic Trail. development of this interpretive plan image and professionalism is consistent with the National Trails through greater design System Act (P.L. 90-543), CDNST consistency in the interpretive 73 CDNST Interpretive Plan 5 1. Introduction The legislative mandate and intent of lakes and streams teeming with trout. The Senate describes, in “Establishing Congress: Provide for maximum The high mountains are home to many a Nationwide System of Trails outdoor recreation potential and the species of game, including the bighorn Report” of 1968, the Continental conservation and enjoyment of the sheep, mule deer, and bear. Divide Trail as: nationally significant scenic, historic, “Designed to accommodate riders and or cultural qualities of the areas The primary purpose of a Continental hikers, the Continental Divide Trail through which it passes. Divide Trail would be to provide a would pass through some of the most continuous, appealing travel route. scenic areas in the country…The 1.3 Trail Purpose Broad restrictions against any one designation of the Continental Divide type of trail use should be avoided. Trail represents an attempt to make In the “Trails for America” report, the Along each section of the trail, only available by trail a stretch of country CDNST purpose was described in those uses should be permitted that do which has historical interest and 1966 as: not conflict with other uses of the charm, and bisects the Western United same section and with management States. The committee does recognize “A Continental Divide Trail would objectives of adjacent lands. that no such contiguous trail has ever, provide a continuous route along the Incompatible uses have not yet in fact, existed. However, the Continental Divide and Rocky materially affected the esthetic committee believes that the trail Mountains from the Canadian border character of the private lands the trail should be regarded as calling almost to the Mexican border must cross. However, scenic right-of- attention to the grandeur and esthetic …designed to accommodate riders passage easements should be acquired qualities of the Continental Divide, and hikers, a Continental Divide Trail or local zoning regulations enacted to and that it will add significantly to the would pass through some of the most protect the esthetic qualities of the Nation’s appreciation of its priceless scenic areas in the country in its trail and the public investment in the natural heritage…” 3,082-mile route. The 763 miles in trail from incompatible uses in the Montana, 147 miles in Idaho, 506 future.” miles in Wyoming, 614 miles in Colorado, and 1,052 miles in New Mexico span spectacular, wild, mountain country, rich in the early history of the West. The route affords views of perpetual ice fields and of awesome peaks, many over 14,000 feet. It passes hundreds of alpine 6 CDNST Interpretive Plan 1. Introduction The entire concept of the CDNST · Meet accessibility standards Written responses also planning and management is based on · Consider bilingual signage as indicated a feeling of need the project being socially responsive appropriate, particularly in for the agencies to provide to the needs and situations of local Colorado and New Mexico adequate information to let areas. These areas contribute to the · Provide detailed safety the user know what to character of the Great Divide as much information to the trail user expect not only in the way as the more evident physiographic through reliable brochures, of environmental features. The CDNST has been signing and education on conditions, but also about conceived as a “people’s trail.” A trail hazards, water availability, historic and current uses of that would facilitate, but not dictate, avalanche prone areas, etc. the land along the way. the opportunity for the recreation user · Respect adjacent private · Address local concerns to actively (not passively) experience property through information The following concerns were the magnificent variety of landscapes, and signing addressed in the 1985 natural phenomenon, prehistoric and · Expound the “nature and Comprehensive Plan. These historic actions of humans, and purposes” of this National need to be reviewed and current uses of the resource rich Scenic Trail and non- updated or changed as backbone of America. motorized use opportunities necessary (Social Resource · Facilitate user experiences Units identify the section of through trailhead design, trail by State and Segment per 1.4 Parameters for Trailhead construction and the Comprehensive Plan and Interpretation interpretation/information. associated maps.) Potential users of the trail said q Social Resource Unit · Stay within Recreation they would use the experience (SRU) 1B (Segments 1 Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) to: – 29) – Grizzly Bear q classifications, Visual Quality q “get away from the SRU 1A and 4B Objectives (VQO), and the usual demands of life,” (Segments 30-46) – Built Environment Image q “learn about things Facility construction, Guidelines (BEIG) for along the trail,” mostly trailheads trailhead and interpretive q “be with friends,” development and any other q