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Advocacy

Obstacles arise every day that threaten the Appalachian Trail. We're here to protect it.

FederalSigning

protecting the a.t. experience

We care about protecting the experience we all have while hiking the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Along with our partners, we are charged under the National Trails Act to ensure that the scenic vistas and natural and cultural heritage of the Trail corridor is protected forever.

We have advocated for dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund since 1972. Through our advocacy efforts and partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service and multiple state agencies, more than $180 million dollars has been appropriated to secure a land base for the A.T. and to protect landscapes near the Trail.

Power lines on the Appalachian Trail

threats

Incompatible development near the A.T. threatens the intent of a national scenic trail as outlined in the National Trails Act. Such development potentially impacts the hiking experience and fragile landscapes surrounding the Trail. These developments may include expanded electric transmission corridors, new or expanded highways and roads, and poorly sited industrial wind farms and large scale natural gas pipelines, among others. 

We work to educate local leaders about these threats to the Trail in an effort to avoid or mitigate negative impacts. We also work closely with state and federal agencies to ensure effective policies are developed to protect Trail resources.

current issues

Lewis Fork Wilderness

New House Bill Could Allow Mountain Bikes in A.T. Wilderness Areas

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MVP_Advocacy

Mountain Valley Pipeline: A prime example of bad energy development

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Mt Jefferson - Emily "Peach" Chadwick

Anticipating Climate Change and its Impacts on the Appalachian Trail

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Hikers in the Roan Highlands along the Appalachian Trail

The Land and Water Conservation Fund benefits the A.T. – but could disappear

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Benton Mackaye, founder of the Appalachian Trail

hike the hill

Senior conservation staff visit congressional offices and agency staff ​every year as part of the annual Hike the Hill event, a joint effort by the American Hiking Society and the Partnership for the National Trails System. Our goal: keep the A.T. on everyone’s radar and ensure that high priority land protection projects are supported. We also supported re-authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and full annual funding of that program.