A.T. MEGA-Transect

Photo credits (left to right): philip jordan, david spier, ryan cosens

The Appalachian Trail and its surrounding 250,000 acres of protected lands are a priceless ecological resource. A.T. lands harbor rare, threatened and endangered species, encompass important water resources, and shelter wildlife.

The Trail’s north-south alignment across 14 eastern states represents a cross-section of the eastern United States and offers a perfect setting for collecting relevant and scientifically valid data on the health of the landscape and species it fosters.

Threats to the environment of the Appalachian Trail—from encroaching development, acid rain, invasive species, polluted water, and climate change—represent threats to the health of everyone downwind and downstream of the A.T., roughly one third of the U.S. population. This makes the Trail and its protected corridor an ideal indicator for environmental conditions that directly affect more than 120 million Americans.

Because of the magnitude of this project, volunteer engagement is vital to this effort. Citizen scientists will play an active role, participating in monitoring activities and providing policy-makers, scientists and land managers with the data needed to further protect the Trail and reach the goals of current environmental legislation. Partners and sponsors are vital to the collaborative work being performed for the A.T. MEGA-Transect.

Goals

Monitor – Collect and analyze new and existing data on key indicators of environmental health from agencies, organizations, researchers, and citizen scientists.

Understand – Transform data into status reports and track trends through analysis,
synthesis, and modeling.

Inform and Engage – Inform and engage the American public, decision-makers and stakeholder organizations to manage and protect the A.T. environment, attain the goals of existing natural resources and environmental legislation, and to make sound decisions for positive change.