Blumenthal & Walkinshaw Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect & Expand National Scenic Trails

[WASHINGTON, DC] - Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA) introduced legislation to preserve and expand America's national trail system. The Complete America's Great Trails Act gives a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily make land contributions towards the completion of National Scenic Trails, expanding the trail system and protecting the land from development.

"This measure will enhance our nation's scenic trails and protect public access to these treasured spaces," said Blumenthal. "By encouraging landowners to support our trail system, our Complete America's Great Trails Act will improve connectivity for hikers and families and preserve our country's unique natural beauty for generations to come."

"Here in Fairfax, trails are part of everyday life. With more than 22,000 acres of parkland and over 334 miles of trails in our county park system, they connect homes, schools, businesses, parks, and communities while giving families access to the outdoors. But across the country, too many National Scenic Trails remain unfinished or vulnerable to development. In honor of National Trails Day, I'm proud to introduce the Complete America's Great Trails Act with Senator Blumenthal to create a new tax credit that helps landowners voluntarily conserve land along these trails. This bill will help complete America's National Scenic Trails, protect open space, expand outdoor access, and preserve these natural treasures for future generations," said Walkinshaw.

Connecticut is home to two of the 11 National Scenic Trails-the Appalachian Trail, which extends 52 miles across the state from Salisbury in the north to Sherman in the south, and the New England Trail, which extends 117 miles across the state from Suffield in the north to Guilford in the south.

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

"For almost a decade now, I've gotten to experience the beauty of Connecticut's great outdoors on my yearly Walk Across Connecticut," said Murphy. "Between the Appalachian and New England trails, Connecticut has nearly 200 miles worth of National Scenic Trail space and I'm really proud to support legislation that will make it easier for Connecticut families to enjoy the transformative experience of being in nature."

The legislation is endorsed by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association (CFPA), and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

"The Complete America's Great Trails Act is a practical, voluntary conservation tool that helps close critical trail gaps, expand public access, and conserve important landscapes. For trails that the Appalachian Mountain Club helps steward and enjoy, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the New England Trail, this legislation can help create more complete and connected trail experiences for future generations. AMC is pleased to support this commonsense effort," said Mandy Warner, Senior Director of Policy for AMC.

"Trails do more than connect destinations. They connect people to nature, history, and one another. We thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership on the Complete America's Great Trails Act, which will help conserve critical trail corridors and strengthen the long-term future of America's great trail systems, including those here in Connecticut," said Joey Listro, Executive Director of CFPA.

"The Appalachian Trail depends on partnerships that span public and private lands. By providing a tax credit to landowners who voluntarily donate conservation easements along National Scenic Trails, the Complete America's Great Trails Act creates a practical incentive to protect trail corridors, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and conserve the landscapes that make these trails possible. We applaud Congressman Walkinshaw and Senator Blumenthal for introducing this legislation and for recognizing the important role private landowners play in sustaining America's National Scenic Trails for future generations," said Dan Ryan, Vice President of Conservation and Government Relations, Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

The full text of the bill can be found here. A one-pager is available here.

-30-

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Tweet

1. Energy & the Environment