Protect the Trail
New threats to the Trail arise every day. These are threats to the hiking experience and the fragile web of life found on the A.T. may include eminent domain for National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, the expansion of highways and roads, and planning for appropriate development around the Trail corridor. ATC and its members have the opportunity to defend the Trail by voicing support for state and federal conservation funding, and other legislation to protect the Trail. We often need to mobilize our membership and the public to come to the aid of the Trail through letter-writing campaigns and by spreading the word. On this page you will find a variety of issues in which the ATC is engaged. Your help is needed in defending America’s greatest Trail. Start by making a donation to support our efforts. Submit comments on AccessibilityOctober 26, 2009 — On October 19, 2009, the federal Access Board posted “Draft Final Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas” for a 60-day public review and comment period. Comments must be submitted by December 18. The U.S. Forest Service views most of the technical provisions in the guidelines to be appropriate, however, it has expressed concerns related to a lack of guidance on decision making and reporting needed to implement the guidelines on trails. HELP PROTECT AMERICAN TRAILS THIS SUMMER—SUPPORT THE "COMPLETE AMERICA'S GREAT TRAILS ACT"July 13, 2009 — This summer, with hiking season in full gear, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy urges you to contact your congressional representative in support of the “Complete America’s Great Trails Act” (HR 1912). While there are only a half-dozen miles of the Appalachian Trail still to be protected, some of the surrounding lands that we consider essential to preserving the experience afforded Trail visitors are undergoing intense development pressure. This bipartisan legislation will provide incentives for private landowners to preserve their land and benefit not only the A.T., but all of the National Scenic Trails. It requires no direct spending from the federal government, gives a significant tax break to willing landowners, and helps ensure that America continues to benefit from our incredible trail resources. The American Hiking Society has more information on this important legislation. Voice Support for Public Lands Bill in HouseFebruary 4, 2009 — The U.S. Senate has passed S.22 – the omnibus Public Lands Act which will provide a number of provisions for the advancement and preservation of our National Trails System. Now it's time to seek support for the bill in the House. Find out how to help. Help Us Protect A.T. LandsJanuary 2009 — ATC is requesting Fiscal Year 2010 funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). These funds would be used for the acquisition of lands bordering the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the states of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. June 11, 2008 — Washington County, Maryland, is planning to build a 190-foot communications tower near the Appalachian Trail that would impact the Trail. It will also impact the C&O Canal National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Maryland’s South Mountain State Park. ATC Requests Rehearing in National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor DecisionIn November 2007, ATC joined the Southern Environmental Law Center, Piedmont Environmental Council, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and more than a dozen other groups to petition for a rehearing before the Department of Energy regarding their designation of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. New Accessibility Guidelines ProposedIn October 2007, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy submitted comments to the U.S. Access Board in response to proposed rules regarding accessibility guidelines for federally managed outdoor areas. Support a Bill for Roadless AreasIn January 2007, six Congressmen began drumming up support for original co-sponsors of a bi-partisan conservation measure – the National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2007.
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The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a unit of the National Park System. In coordination with the A.T. Park Office, ATC manages and protects the Trail. Integral to these efforts are those of the U.S. Forest Service, state and local agencies, 30-Trail maintaining clubs and 6000 volunteers. Learn more.
Partnerships
