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 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 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 Scenic Trails, bolsters land protection, and requires a series of studies to gather data and information on the economic benefits of National Scenic 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 Trail management to clarify the roles and responsibilities of organizations like the ATC, and recognize the ATC as the first while providing Congress the authority to designate other Designated Operational Partners for the remaining National Scenic Trails. 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 Trails, without dedicated attention and local engagement, it is very difficult to build out their conserved Corridors. This legislation explicitly enables Designated Operational Partners to collaborate with agency partners on land protection, a role not currently shared across all National Scenic Trails.
- Study and Monitor Visitation and Economic Impact: The legislation directs federal agencies to assess and report on the economic impact of National Scenic Trails on gateway communities and explore systemic challenges and possible opportunities to further develop National Scenic 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 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.
