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National Discovery Trails Act needs support

The legislation to authorize a new category of long-distance trails under the National Trails System Act and designate the American Discovery Trail (ADT) as the first of these new trails has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives.

Representative Roscoe Bartlett - R - of Maryland put the bill in on the first day of the 110th Congress in January. It is House bill H.R. 74 - the National Discovery Trails Act. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. The bill and all congressional action can be viewed at http://thomas.loc.gov. In the search space type HR74 and click bill number, then search.

If we are to be successful we must demonstrate that there is support throughout our Nation for the ADT. The American Discovery Trail Society has begun an effort to obtain cosponsors on HR74. Representative Bartlett sent out a "Dear Colleague" letter on March 1 to all Members of the House inviting them to become cosponsors. Letters from ADTS to all Members who have ADT in their District, all Members of the House Trails Caucus and all Members of the Committee on Natural Resources.

It would be very helpful for Representatives to hear from individuals and outdoor recreation groups. The American Discovery Trail website has information about the legislation and sample letters that people can use as a guide, as well as a news and information section.

Please send your letters of support to these key Representatives:

Rep Nick J. Rahall,II, 2307 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Chair of the Committee on Natural Resources

Rep Raul M. Grijalva, 1440 Longworth HOB Washington DC 20515

Chair of the Subcommittee National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

Rep Roscoe Bartlett, 2412 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515

Lead Sponsor

Letters to any other Representatives who have been supportive of trails would also be of benefit.

If you need additional information, please contact the ADTS at 800-663-2387 or info@discoverytrail.org.

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