Lawler Joins Bipartisan Push to Strengthen National Trails as Appalachian Trail Conservancy Turns 100

Washington, D.C. - 9/4/25… Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Don Beyer (VA-08) and Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Appalachian Trail Centennial Act, legislation to strengthen the public-private partnerships that preserve, maintain, and manage national trails.

This legislation, inspired by the National Trails System Act of 1968, which has led to the establishment and expansion of thousands of National Recreation Trails, aims to create a cooperative management tool to expand and protect national trails across the United States.

The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act is supported by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The legislation will model the ATC's successful framework of integrating scenic and historic trails into conservation, recreation, and education networks to preserve and expand access to the trails.

"As Co-Chair of the Appalachian Trail Caucus, I'm proud to reintroduce the bipartisan Appalachian Trail Centennial Act," said Congressman Lawler. "With nearly fifty miles of the Trail running through New York's 17th District, it's a source of pride and a boost to our local economy. This bill will help preserve the Trail as we mark its 100th anniversary and ensure it's enjoyed for generations to come."

"I recently completed section hiking the Appalachian Trail, and I want to do all I can to ensure that future generations are able to hike this beloved fixture of the American outdoors as well," said Congressman Beyer. "Since its conception over a century ago, the Appalachian Trail has provided countless Americans with a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and provided opportunities for hiking, picnics, and camping trips. As we introduce the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act to preserve the trail for future generations, we are working to solidify and strengthen the trail and its partnerships so that it remains the crown jewel of hiking for the next 100 years and can continue to be a cherished part of our national heritage and culture."

"Our national trails and outdoors are some of America's greatest treasures and make real contributions to our communities' well-being and the economy," said Senator Kaine. "I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to hike much of the Appalachian Trail, and I'm proud to partner with the ATC and my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation to improve public-private coordination efforts to expand access to these incredible spaces and preserve them for future generations."

"The Appalachian Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails anywhere in the world, connecting millions of people every year with the rich natural resources of Appalachia and serving as the bedrock of the local economy for gateway communities throughout North Carolina," said Senator Tillis. "As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Trail, I am proud to work with Senator Kaine to introduce this bipartisan legislation to recognize the important role of volunteer trail clubs and improve the management of the National Trails System to preserve the AT for the next 100 years."

"Throughout our centennial year, we've been reminded that the Appalachian Trail's success depends on strong partnerships between organizations like ATC and our federal agency allies," said Sandra Marra, President and CEO of the ATC. "Hurricane Helene reinforced this lesson dramatically, showing how quickly we can mobilize when we have solid collaborative frameworks in place. The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act will formalize the robust partnerships that have sustained the Trail for a century and will be essential for the next hundred years. We're deeply grateful to Senators Kaine and Tillis and Representatives Lawler and Beyer for championing this vision, and to our partners at the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service for their unwavering commitment to trail stewardship."

Specifically, the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act would:

• Establish "Designated Operational Partners" (DOP) for National Scenic and Historic Trails and recognize ATC as the first. A DOP must have demonstrated experience in the management, maintenance, and preservation of the trail.
• Allow a DOP to enter into agreements of up to 20 years with the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service to care for National Scenic and Historic Trails.
• Require a DOP to work with federal, state, and local entities to coordinate and advance efforts related to land and resource conservation.
• Direct federal agencies to partner with states and other local stakeholders to study usage patterns and local economic benefits of National Scenic and Historic Trails and make recommendations on how to improve land protection and recreational opportunities.
• Create a streamlined process for agencies to donate surplus tools and equipment to trail-maintaining volunteer groups to use for the betterment of trails.
• Recognize the decades of dedicated service by the Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs and their volunteers.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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Full bill text can be found HERE.