Logan Simpson completed a Class III cultural resources survey of 41 miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) in southwestern New Mexico as part of an Inventory, Assessment, and Monitoring (IAM) project for the Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District Office (LCDO). The survey documented sites associated with the Mimbres culture, late-19th and mid-20th century mines, and extensive erosion control features built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and Soil Conservation Service during the New Deal programs.

Data collected during the Class III survey also informed the Historic and Cultural Landscape sections of the IAM report. The project was a collaborative effort across Logan Simpson’s cultural resources, environmental, recreation, and visual resources teams. Staff conducted 360-degree photography at multiple points along the trail and completed Scenic Quality Inventory Forms to establish baseline data for the BLM LCDO. This information will support ongoing trail management, future planning efforts, and the evaluation of potential impacts to the trail and user experiences.

Our team valued the opportunity to explore the Chihuahuan Desert landscape along the southern extent of the CDNST, document the archaeology along the trail, and connect with through-hikers from across the United States and around the world.