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Public Celebrates Historic Easement to the “King of Trails”

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation grants 19 miles of land easement to BLM along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

by Kristen Lenhardt

The 3,100 mile-long Continental Divide National Scenic Trail cutting through wild landscape nearly 20 miles north of Rawlins, Wyo. Photo by: Kristen Lenhardt

From left, Dave Hunsaker, BLM Deputy Director, National Landscape Conservation System; Bob Bennett, BLM Wyoming State Director; Jim Kleckner, Anadarko Vice President of Operations; & Rebecca Watson, Chair, Continental Divide Trail Alliance, unveil the sign commemorating Anadarko’s donation of nearly 19 miles of land easement to the BLM. Photo by: Kristen Lenhardt

Rawlins, Wyo. - The Wyoming wind greeted over 100 people gathering at Rim Lake near Rawlins, Wyo. to celebrate another milestone toward the completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

As part of the National Trails Day celebration held on May 31, 2007, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Continental Divide Trail Alliance and the State of Wyoming were recognized for their years of extensive teamwork that finalized the largest easement ever provided by a private land owner in the history of the trail. Anadarko’s grant of approximately 19 miles of land in the Great Divide Basin region of Wyoming completes a 40 mile portion of the 3,100 mile-long trail, providing continuing legal access for the public. 

“BLM Wyoming has worked closely with our partners and other volunteers to complete this easement,” says Bob Bennett, BLM Wyoming State Director. “It is a marvelous gift to the community and to the nation.”

The historic easement generated interest from people of all walks of life. Local, state, and national dignitaries, volunteers, users of the trail and the general public attended the event, symbolizing the trail’s ability to inspire people throughout the nation to connect to some of the most wild and scenic places left in the world. 

The Continental Divide Trail was established by Congress as a National Scenic Trail in 1978. When complete, the “King of Trails” will be the most significant trail system in the world, stretching from Canada to Mexico along the West’s most spectacular landscapes.