Drastic Agency Restructuring in Proposed 2026 Federal Budget May Compromise the Appalachian Trail

HARPERS FERRY, W.V. — The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) expressed concerns over the White House’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 “skinny” budget, which includes dramatic budget cuts to the National Park Service (NPS) and USDA Forest Service (USFS), two agencies that play integral roles in the cooperative management of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (ANST).   

As the only nonprofit dedicated to protecting, managing, and advocating for every mile of the Appalachian Trail, the ATC is alarmed at the requests to slash funding and fundamentally alter the structure and functions of these key partners. The reported staffing reductions this year, including over 4,000 at USFS, are already affecting operations across both the USFS and NPS, from trail maintenance to permitting and recreational access.  

ATC President and CEO Sandra Marra stated: “The Appalachian National Scenic Trail depends on each of the cooperative management partners — the public agencies, the ATC, and the Trail maintaining clubs — to ensure the footpath and its surrounding lands are stewarded and protected. The changes sketched out in the President’s skinny budget are not minor adjustments. Rigorous discussion in Congress and engagement by the public is necessary to ensure that the best possible management decisions for our beloved public lands are made. The ATC will continue to use its 100 years of expertise to inform decisions to Keep the Trail Alive.” 

In addition, the budget proposes to de-prioritize and potentially give to the states NPS assets that are not “national parks.” The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a unit of the National Park System, but not a national park.  

“Thinking about our parks and forests in isolation and not as fundamentally connected is in opposition to the reality of the Appalachian Trail,” added Marra. “Reorganizing the agencies to impede their ability to see and serve the big picture will degrade management of our public lands and compromise the consistent administration of the Trail required by the National Trails System Act.” 

The budget proposal released on May 2 calls for: 

• A $900 million cut to National Park operations, which would likely impact program offices designed to serve multiple park units. If all services are limited only to “national parks,” the Appalachian Trail will be further under-resourced. 

• A $73 million cut to NPS construction, which assumes Congress will authorize the proposed transfer of Congressionally established NPS units to state management. Most of the ANST’s states do not budget for management and rely on NPS dollars to care for the Trail within state lands. 

• A $77 million cut to recreation and preservation funds at the NPS. Communities along the Appalachian Trail have benefited from Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance, as well as grants like Connect Trails to Parks, which would be threatened.  

• A $392 million reduction to U.S. Forest Service management of national forests and deep reductions and eliminations in recreation, conservation, and collaborative restoration programs. ATC staff and A.T. volunteers work very closely with these programs to operate and steward the treadway and corridor and combat non-native invasive species throughout the Southern Appalachians. 

• A $391 million cut to Forest Service operations, drastically downsizing the already under-staffed USFS workforce, making it harder for our forests to be safely enjoyed and managed.

The ATC appreciates that the proposed budget maintains support for the Appalachian Regional Commission, recognizing its important role in addressing economic and public health challenges in communities along and near the Trail.  

The ATC is eager to see the full budget documents from the White House and encourages Congress to consider them and the public’s perspective robustly. The health and safety of the Appalachian Trail, its connected public lands, and surrounding communities deserve no less. 

The full FY26 “skinny” budget proposal can be found at https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy 
Founded in 1925, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy works passionately to manage and protect the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. As the only non-profit devoted exclusively to the entirety of the Trail and its landscape, we endeavor to keep its vast natural and scenic beauty healthy, resilient, and connected, so that everyone can experience its transformative power for generations to come. Together with our supporters, partners, and thousands of volunteers, we keep the Trail alive.  

Media Contact:  
Ann Simonelli, 304.885.0482, asimonelli@appalachiantrail.org