Rockland Reporter

Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) 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. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation aims to strengthen the public-private partnerships that preserve, maintain, and manage national trails across the country. The legislation coincides with the upcoming 100th anniversary in 2025 of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), which has been instrumental in partnering with the federal government to 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,” said 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.”

“Since its conception nearly 100 years ago, the Appalachian Trail has provided countless Americans with a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and provided opportunities for hiking, picnics, and camping trips,” said Congressman Beyer. “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.”

“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,” said Senator Kaine. “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.”

“The Appalachian Trail is one of most iconic hiking trails anywhere in world connecting millions people every year with rich natural resources Appalachia serving bedrock local economy gateway communities throughout North Carolina,” said Senator Tillis. “As approach 100th anniversary trail am proud work Senator Kaine introduce bipartisan legislation recognize important role volunteer trail clubs improve management National Trails System preserve AT next 100 years.”

“For nearly 100 years, ATC has been standard bearer trail management,” said Sandra Marra President CEO ATC “The act recognizes what learned over decades no single entity manage National Trail own Instead organizations need strong partnership agreements federal government enable forever protect places love thanks Senators Representatives leadership grateful agency partners NPS USFS support protection”

Specifically,the act would:

- Establish "Designated Operational Partners" (DOP) for National Scenic Historic Trails recognize ATC first DOP must have demonstrated experience management maintenance preservation

- Allow DOP enter agreements up 20 years NPS USFS care Scenic Historic Trails

- Require DOP work federal state local entities coordinate advance efforts related land resource conservation

- Direct federal agencies partner states other local stakeholders study monitor visitor levels usage patterns economic benefits

- Create streamlined process agencies donate surplus tools equipment volunteer groups use betterment trails

- Recognize decades dedicated service maintaining clubs volunteers

Congressman Lawler one most bipartisan members Congress represents New York's Congressional District north New York City contains parts Rockland Putnam Dutchess Westchester Counties