Training and Resources
Each year, ATC—in partnership with clubs and government agencies—conducts workshops for current and new volunteers. Workshops cover basic maintenance, chain saw safety, rock work, winch skills, wilderness first aid, environmental monitoring, and more. Find one near you:
More information:
Sawyer certification
Environmental monitoring
Corridor monitoring
Grants
L.L.Bean Grants to A.T. Clubs
Reference materials
Appalachian Trail Vital Signs Report. Compiled through a collaborative effort led by the National Park Service ATPO, the Vital Signs report is the foundation for ongoing environmental monitoring efforts along the Trail and its corridor. Vital Signs Report (large PDF).
Appalachian Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance. The primary stewardship guide to volunteers who are involved in designing, constructing, or maintaining portions of the Appalachian Trail. Available through the Ultimate A.T. Store, with discounted prices for A.T. maintainers.
Appalachian Trail Fieldbook. Field supplement to Appalachian Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance. Available through the Ultimate A.T. Store, with discounted prices for A.T. maintainers.
Back Country Sanitation Manual. Green Mountain Club and ATC. Information to help Trail managers and volunteer maintainers effectively manage human waste in the backcountry.
Content and Introduction (pages 1-12)
Background of Sanitation Management (pages 13-34)
Regulatory and Aesthetic Issues (pages 35-44)
Description of Systems (pages 45-96)
Case Studies (pages 97-116)
Decision Making Process (pages 117-127)
Gray Water Management (pages 128-132)
Appendices A-G
Appendices H-K
Appendices L-Q
Index (pages 214-220)
Camping Impact Management on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (PDF), Jeffrey L. Marion.
Comprehensive Plan for the Protection, Management, Development and Use of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (PDF), National Park Service. The A.T. Comprehensive Plan takes the place of a management plan for a traditional national park. The plan describes the underlying philosophy of the A.T. and the unique nature of volunteer involvement in the Trail project.
Information for Wireless Companies. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy works closely with wireless companies and others to ensure that wireless facilities are located and designed in a way that minimizes impacts to the National Scenic Trails. For information about the agreement between the wireless industry and trail-maintaining organizations, please see the resolution agreement (PDF), which also contains guidelines for voluntary early notification.
Local Management Planning Guide (PDF). Compendium of federal, state, and ATC policies. For more information, see: Trail Policies.
National Trails System Act. In 1968, Congress passed the National Trails System Act (NTSA), which formally designated the Appalachian Trail as our nation's first national scenic trail. The NTSA (PL 90-543), as amended, is available on the National Park Service National Trails System Web site.
The Register, ATC's online newsletter for Trail maintainers.
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