On September 4, 2025, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) and U.S. Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Don Beyer (D-VA) reintroduced the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act, which reinforces that National Scenic and Historic Trails are partnership public lands where non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a critical role as cooperative managers.
For 100 years, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been the standard bearer for cooperative trail management. The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act recognizes what the ATC has learned over the decades – no single entity can manage a National Scenic or Historic Trail on its own. Instead, collaborative and flexible partnerships are necessary to care for these spread-out and heavily used conserved public lands.
This legislation helps better coordinate resources and partners for our National Trails, bolsters land protection, and requires a series of studies to gather data and information on the economic benefits of National Trails to ensure these special places are maintained and conserved for the next generation.
The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act will:
- Authorize Designated Operational Partners for National Trails: The legislation will statutorily establish a class of non-governmental (NGO) partners in National Scenic and Historic Trail management to clarify the roles and responsibilities of organizations like the ATC, and recognize the ATC as the first. The “Designated Operational Partner” distinction will enable NGOs to take on enhanced stewardship roles, provide formal input on trail management decisions, and work more effectively with federal agencies to protect and maintain the trails.
- Bolster Land Protection: The legislation fosters stronger partnerships to address the growing need for land protection within greater Trail landscapes. Because of the scale of the National Scenic and Historic Trails, without dedicated attention and local engagement, it is very difficult to build out their conserved Corridors. This legislation will add replicable structure and direction for the agencies to coordinate and advance land and resource conservation to support the National Scenic and Historic Trails as large landscape conservation projects.
- Study and Monitor Visitation and Economic Impact: The legislation directs federal agencies to assess and report on the economic impact of National Scenic and Historic Trails on gateway communities and explore systemic challenges and possible opportunities to further develop National Scenic and Historic Trails. These studies will help quantify the significant economic benefits these trails bring to local businesses and rural economies, and support the case for continued investment in trail infrastructure and protection.
- Better Coordinate Partners: The legislation will increase the allowable length of agreements between each National Scenic and Historic Trail’s Designated Operational Partner — like the ATC — and the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service to 20 years. It will also streamline funding processes, support volunteer needs, and encourage consultation among government entities, trail administrators, and designated partners to ensure greater stability.
