September 17, 2024
Assertion in Help of Appalachian Path Centennial Act (H.R. 9159)
Chairman Tiffany, Ranking Member Neguse, and Members of the Committee:
On behalf of American Mountaineering Society and the 59 million sturdy mountaineering neighborhood who profit from the paths and inexperienced areas all through public lands and contribute to the surface recreation monetary system, we write in assist of the committee’s consideration of and extra enhancements to the Appalachian Path Centennial Act (ATCA), H.R. 9159, which may help hikers, the Nationwide Trails System, and public lands.
With the Appalachian Path celebrating its a centesimal Anniversary in 2025, now might be the time to advance the occasion of Nationwide Scenic and Historic Trails (NSHTs) by clarifying current protection, recognizing “Designated Operational Companions,” and providing experience-based steering on strategies to further advance the Nationwide Trails System. ATCA is usually a priceless machine for strengthening cooperative administration, further securing the roles of volunteers and volunteer organizations who’ve leveraged minimal federal funding to contribute over $835M to assist the Nationwide Trails System over the past three a few years.
ATCA will current invaluable information on visitation and monetary information for the Nationwide Trails System and set up strategies to further develop the system to point out its price as part of the surface recreation monetary system. The simplest manner Congress can honor the 100-year legacy of the Appalachian Nationwide Scenic Path is by strengthening what has made the trail worthwhile for the earlier century and search to duplicate this assist for all Nationwide Scenic and Historic Trails.
Important to the mountaineering neighborhood, a well-managed Appalachian Nationwide Scenic Path supported by an array of federal, state, native and nonprofit companions and using probably the greatest on the market information will assure a continued world-class recreation experience for the roughly three million friends yearly. It may really moreover enhance the experience of hikers who may need additional selections to learn from the Path in acceptable strategies, akin to completely different tenting web sites and improved entry.
We thank the subcommittee for holding this important listening to and urge consideration by the whole committee and on the house flooring. We encourage the committee to work with all nonprofit path companions of the Nationwide Trails System to further strengthen this important piece of legal guidelines.
Sincerely,
Tyler Ray
Senior Director for Functions and Advocacy
American Mountaineering Society
It’s great to see support for the Appalachian Trail and recognition of its value. This act could really enhance the experience for many hikers.
I appreciate the focus on improving access and facilities along the trail. It’s crucial for accommodating the increasing number of visitors.
The collaborative approach mentioned in this act is a positive step forward. Ensuring proper management will benefit everyone involved.
As someone who enjoys hiking, I believe this legislation is timely. A century of the Appalachian Trail deserves thoughtful improvements.
This proposal seems well thought out. Investing in our National Trails System is essential for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.