Congressman Lawler Introduces Bipartisan Appalachian Trail Centennial Act

By Rockland Daily Staff

Last week, Congressman Mike Lawler joined his Appalachian Trail Caucus co-chair Don Beyer (D-VA-08) along with Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) to introduce the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to strengthen the public-private partnerships that preserve, maintain, and manage national trails across the country.

The legislation marks the upcoming 100th anniversary in 2025 of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), which has set the standard for partnering with the federal government to help protect a national trail since its founding.

“As Co-Chair of the Appalachian Trail Caucus representing a district with nearly fifty miles of the AT running through it, I’m proud to join colleagues from both parties to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Appalachian Trail Centennial Act,” says Congressman Lawler. “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.”

Specifically, 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.