Legislation to strengthen partnerships between national trails, such as the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and supporting organizations such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, has been introduced into Congress with both Democratic and Republican sponsors.
As written, the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act would create a class of non-governmental (NGO) partners in National Scenic and Historic Trail management to clarify the roles and responsibilities of organizations like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), which is celebrating its centennial this year.
The bill also calls for federal land-management agencies to assess and report on the economic impact of National Scenic and Historic Trails on gateway communities and explore systemic challenges and possible opportunities to further develop National Scenic and Historic Trails.
“Our national trails and outdoors are some of America’s greatest treasures, and make real contributions to our communities’ well-being and the economy,” said Senator Tim Kaine, D-Virginia. “I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to hike much of the Appalachian Trail, and I’m proud to partner with the ATC and my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation to improve public-private coordination efforts to expand access to these incredible spaces and preserve them for future generations.”
If passed the measure would create "Designated Operational Partners," such as the ATC, that would work with federal, state, and local entities to coordinate and advance efforts related to land and resource conservation.
Federal agencies also would be required to partner with states and other local stakeholders to study usage patterns and local economic benefits of National Scenic and Historic Trails and make recommendations on how to improve land protection and recreational opportunities.
“Throughout our centennial year, we've been reminded that the Appalachian Trail's success depends on strong partnerships between organizations like ATC and our federal agency allies," said Sandra Marra, president and CEO of the ATC. "Hurricane Helene reinforced this lesson dramatically, showing how quickly we can mobilize when we have solid collaborative frameworks in place.
"The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act will formalize the robust partnerships that have sustained the trail for a century and will be essential for the next hundred years," she added. "We're deeply grateful to Senators Kaine and (Tom) Tillis (R-North Carolina) and Representatives (Mike) Lawler (R-New York) and (Don) Beyer (D-Virginia) for championing this vision, and to our partners at the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service for their unwavering commitment to trail stewardship."
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