American Trails participated in the largest ever Hike the Hill ®, which brought 123 hikers and trail organization representatives to Washington, D.C. to advocate before Congress and the federal government for trails and public lands.
American Trails participated in the largest ever Hike the Hill®, which brought 123 hikers and trail organization representatives to Washington, D.C. to advocate before Congress and the federal government for trails and public lands. American Trails joined the American Hiking Society and the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) for a week of action and celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the National Trails System Act. Events and meetings honored the achievements of this landmark law and called on Congress and federal agencies to complete the National Scenic and Historic Trails System and other trails and to fully fund the programs that provide for the stewardship, maintenance, and expansion of trails and public lands.
In anticipation of attending Hike the Hill®, American Trails polled our key partners to determine some of the most pressing issues in the larger trails community. We brought these issues to appropriate representatives and senators throughout the week. Some of these key issues included:
American Trails will seize upon the momentum from Hike the Hill® to
continue the push for trail partnerships, development, and funding in
our advocacy efforts. Stay tuned for new opportunities for members to
engage.
Trails Community Appropriations Recommendations
On behalf of the thousands of diverse trail users our collective organizations represent, we urge appropriators to adequately invest in our nation’s trails.
Laws, Regulations, and Policies Skills and Competencies
Specific skills used in Interpreting regulations and legislation; applying federal laws on environmental, historic issues; providing accessible routes under the Americans with Disabilities Act; developing and enforcing trail regulations; responding to legal and liability issues.
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Highlights
Every year hundreds of projects across the country use Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding to complete new projects and improve existing infrastructure. These are two recent highlights of how those funds are being used on the ground.
Why YOU Should Submit Your Trail for National Recreation Trail (NRT) Designation
Find out more about the National Recreation Trail program and the steps needed to apply.
