The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act was introduced last week ahead of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 100th anniversary in 2025.
U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and U.S. Reps. Mike Lawler of New York and Don Beyer of Virginia introduced the bipartisan, bicameral legislation to strengthen the public-private partnerships that preserve, maintain and manage national trails across the country. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) set the standard for partnering with the federal government to help protect a national trail since its founding.
Kaine spent two years hiking, biking and canoeing the Commonwealth, a journey that culminated into his first book published in April 2024: “Walk, Ride, Paddle: A Life Outside.” The first section of the book details his hiking of the Appalachian Trail through Virginia.
“Preserving and maintaining our national trails requires the work of many stakeholders. When I hiked the Appalachian Trail in Virginia a few years ago, I saw National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service employees, local government workers, and volunteers from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and various Appalachian Trail Clubs — all of whom were working to protect the AT,” Kaine said. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to better coordinate efforts between public and private stakeholders, so we can ensure our national trails can be enjoyed by all for decades to come.”
Tillis said the AT is one of the world’s most iconic hiking trails and connects millions of individuals every year with nature. The AT is also “the bedrock of the local economy for gateway communities throughout North Carolina. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Trail, I am proud to work with Sen. Kaine to introduce this bipartisan legislation to recognize the important role of volunteer trail clubs and improve the management of the National Trails System to preserve the AT for the next 100 years.”
Lawler serves as co-chair of the Appalachian Trail Caucus and nearly 50 miles of the AT is in his district.
“This legislation will go a long way to preserving the Appalachian Trail by fostering greater cohesion between the public and private stakeholders who work to maintain it. I cannot think of a better way to herald the 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy than by passing this bill to help ensure the trail will be enjoyed for centuries to come,” Lawler said.
Beyer said the AT has provided Americans with a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and also opportunities for hiking, picnics and camping.
“I just completed my 2,072nd mile on the Appalachian Trail and it is my hope that my grandchildren are able to do so as well. As we introduce the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act to preserve the trail for future generations, we are solidifying and strengthening the trail and its partnerships so that it remains the crown jewel of hiking for the next 100 years and can continue to be a cherished part of our national heritage and culture,” Beyer said.
Sandra Marra is President and CEO of the ATC.
“For nearly 100 years, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been the standard bearer for trail management. The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act recognizes what the ATC has learned over the decades — no single entity can manage a National Trail on its own. Instead, organizations need strong partnership agreements with the federal government that will enable them to forever protect the places we love. The ATC thanks Senators Kaine and Tillis and Representatives Lawler and Beyer for their leadership on this legislation, and are grateful to our agency partners at the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service for their support for trail management and protection,” Marra said.
The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act would:
- Establish “Designated Operational Partners” (DOP) for National Scenic and Historic Trails and recognize ATC as the first. A DOP must have demonstrated experience in the management, maintenance, and preservation of the trail.
- Allow a DOP to enter into agreements of up to 20 years with the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service to care for National Scenic and Historic Trails.
- Require a DOP to work with federal, state, and local entities to coordinate and advance efforts related to land and resource conservation.
- Direct federal agencies to partner with states and other local stakeholders to study and monitor visitor levels, usage patterns, and local economic benefits of National Scenic and Historic Trails.
- Create a streamlined process for agencies to donate surplus tools and equipment to trail maintaining volunteer groups to use for the betterment of trails.
- Recognize the decades of dedicated service by the Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs and their volunteers.
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Rebecca Barnabi
