Press Release
Pisgah Restoration Initiative Funded Under Federal Collaborative Forest Program
March 24, 2023
The U.S. Forest Service announced a boost in funding for the Pisgah Restoration Initiative, a collaborative effort that will promote more resilient forests across 520,000 acres in the Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina, and 30,000 acres of the Cherokee National Forest in east Tennessee.
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ATC NEWS
Grant Recipients to Forward Conservation of the Appalachian Trail Landscape
March 15, 2023
2022-2023 Wild East Action Fund grants support projects protecting freshwater sources, climate-resilient habitats, and the scenic Appalachian Trail landscape.
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ATC NEWS
ATC Board Makes Changes to Its Bylaws
March 6, 2023
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy Board of Directors reviews its Bylaws periodically to insure they adequately outline its obligations and governance processes.
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ATC News
ATC Promotes Volunteer Support, Landscape Conservation During Annual Hike the Hill Event
February 17, 2023
This week, the ATC participated in both the 26th Hike the Hill™ and the 2nd National Park Foundation Hill Day, working with Members of Congress from both parties to better protect the Appalachian Trail.
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ATC News
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is Now on TikTok
February 3, 2023
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has launched its TikTok channel to help inspire the next generation of Trail supporters. Follow us at @appalachiantrail!
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ATC NEWS
2023 Federal Spending Bill Scores Multiple Wins for the Appalachian Trail
January 6, 2023
The federal spending bill will benefit the protection and conservation of A.T. lands, and provide much-needed financial support for the National Park Service.
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Trail Update
Appalachian Trail Grows to 2,198.4 Miles in Length for 2023
December 14, 2022
There will be 4.1 more miles of the Appalachian Trail to love in 2023.
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ATC News
In Memory of Former ATC Board Member Clark Dixon
December 9, 2022
Appalachian Trail Conservancy staff celebrate the life of Clark Dixon, who served with the ATC from 2009 to 2011 and provided a wealth of insight developed over decades of experience.
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Press Release
ATC Receives $515,800 from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to Improve Forest Health
November 22, 2022
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) announced today that it is one of 55 inaugural recipients of America the Beautiful Challenge funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The $515,800 grant will support the ATC’s efforts to manage invasive species and protect endangered ash trees in national forests in five states.
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Press Release
Conservation Experts Underline the Importance of the Appalachian Trail Landscape
November 17, 2022
A large convening of conservation experts recently released a first-of-its-kind report highlighting the importance of the Appalachian Trail landscape in the efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
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Press Release
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Helps Create First-Ever Community Forest in West Virginia to Protect 370 Acres of Land
November 10, 2022
The Little Bluestone Community Forest will add to the constellation of public lands between the Appalachian Trail, the Bluestone National Scenic River and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
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ATC News
ATC Mid-Atlantic Office Moves to Historic Craighead House in Pennsylvania
October 21, 2022
The Craighead House has profound and interesting connections to conservation that echo the mission and the spirit of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
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Press Release
Warner & Kaine Reintroduce Bill to Make FERC Pipeline Permitting Process More Transparent and Fair
September 15, 2022
U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine reintroduced the Pipeline Fairness, Transparency, and Responsible Development Act, legislation to strengthen the public’s ability to evaluate the impacts of and provide input on natural gas pipelines being considered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
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Trail Update
McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service Now Available
August 31, 2022
This service will help alleviate unsafe parking conditions and take the stress out of finding a parking spot for your McAfee Knob A.T. hike.
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Press Release
Damascus Trail Center to Open on August 27
July 27, 2022
A collaboration between the Town of Damascus and the ATC, the Damascus Trail Center will further embrace and enhance southwest Virginia’s growing status as a hub for outdoor recreation.
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Press Release
ATC Recommends A.T. Visitors Carry Bear-Resistant Food Storage Containers
July 14, 2022
The ATC has adopted a new policy recommending all overnight Appalachian Trail visitors carry a bear-resistant food storage container as a vital part of their backpacking gear.
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Trail Update
A.T. Reroute Opens in Pennsylvania, Preserving Vistas and Improving Trail Sustainability
June 16, 2022
This 3.25-mile-long relocation moves the route of the A.T. along views that are likely to remain as important environmental remediation work in the area continues.
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Media Statement
In Response to the Tragic Hiker Death on McAfee Knob, Virginia
May 31, 2022
Statement from Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
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Press Release
Clayton and Rabun County, Georgia, Celebrate A.T. Community™ Designation
May 26, 2022
Featuring live music and family-friendly attractions, this June 11 event will acknowledge Clayton and Rabun County’s role in promoting and protecting the A.T.
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Press Release
New $400,000 Grant Will Help Protect the A.T.
May 11, 2022
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to announce it is the recipient of a $400,000 grant from the Olo for Good Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Tides Foundation.
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ATC News
Nominations Open Until July 15 for ATC Board of Directors
April 29, 2022
The ATC will be accepting nominations for its Board of Directors through July 15, 2022.
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Press Release
21,300 Acres of A.T. Landscape Permanently Protected
March 17, 2022
This landscape conservation success led by the Forest Society of Maine and Northeast Wilderness Trust will protect the A.T.’s scenic beauty and recreational access.
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ATC News
Wild East Action Fund Grant Recipients Announced
March 2, 2022
The ATC is excited to share the recipients of the 2021 Wild East Action Fund Grants, which help support land protection and strengthen conservation efforts across the A.T. Landscape.
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Press Release
A.T. Visitor Experience to Be Enhanced in Boiling Springs
February 9, 2022
The ATC has completed the ownership transfer of its Mid-Atlantic regional office building to the South Middleton Township, a critical step in creating a more fully-fledged visitor experience for visitors.
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ATC News
The ATC Welcomes New Members to NextGen Council
December 10, 2021
Six emerging leaders are joining the ATC’s Next Generation Advisory Council (NextGen), which explores effective methods for engaging and inviting a wider network to participate in Trail advocacy and protection.
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Media Statement
Charles Sams III Confirmed as Director of the National Park Service
November 23, 2021
Mr. Sams’ history of working with public, private, and tribal partners to achieve positive conservation outcomes reflects a commitment to collaboration, a key component of the Appalachian Trail Cooperative Management System.
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Trail Update
Appalachian Trail Grows to 2,194.3 Miles in 2022
November 19, 2021
There is officially more of the Appalachian Trail to love in 2022, with its official length becoming 2,194.3 miles!
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Media Statement
ATC Statement on the Passage of the Build Back Better Act by the House of Representatives
November 19, 2021
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy applauds the passage of the Build Back Better Act by the House of Representatives and proudly voices its support for this important legislation.
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ATC Statement
In Response to the Death of an A.T. Hiker on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in New York
November 18, 2021
Statement from Sandra Marra, President & CEO of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
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Trail Update
Katahdin Closes for 2021 Hiking Season
October 21, 2021
On October 20, Baxter State Park announced the seasonal closure of all trails on Katahdin, including the final 5.1 miles of the Appalachian Trail and access to its northern terminus on Baxter Peak.
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ATC News
Q&A with Our New Regional Directors
September 10, 2021
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is very excited to have not one, but two new Regional Directors join the team this month: Rachel Lettre, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, and Drew Ball, Southern Regional Director!
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Press Release
Ambreen Tariq Resigns from ATC Board of Directors
August 6, 2021
A member of the Board since 2019, Ambreen has helped advance the ATC’s mission through her experience and expertise as an attorney, advocate and storyteller.
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Press Release
Six Wells on the A.T. Closed
July 29, 2021
The National Park Service Appalachian National Scenic Trail Office, in consultation with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and regional Trail Maintaining Clubs, has officially closed six wells along the Appalachian Trail.
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Press Release
Sen. Hassan Tours A.T. Conservation Area in New Hampshire
July 7, 2021
The Senator, who has urged for a substantial increase in funding for Trail, scheduled the visit to observe the work being done to conserve a wildlife opening along the A.T.
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Trail Update
Pisgah National Forest Issues Two-Year Camping Ban at Max Patch
July 1, 2021
The Pisgah National Forest has issued a two-year camping closure on Max Patch, a popular destination for Appalachian Trail hikers on the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
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ATC News
Reflecting and Reimagining the Visitor Experience
June 25, 2021
In light of the rapid growth in A.T. use, the ATC has taken the last year and a half to restructure its visitor use and services programs.
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Press Release
What’s Cooking in Boiling Springs?
June 25, 2021
An update on the statud of the ATC Mid-Atlantic headquarters and visitor center located in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.
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ATC Statement
ATC Statement on Apparent Murder-Suicide on the A.T. in Maryland
June 11, 2021
Maryland State Police are currently investigating an apparent murder-suicide after the bodies of a father and his young son were found along the Trail in Washington County.
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Press Release
Donate $5, Get the Walk the Distance A.T. Map
June 10, 2021
For a $5 donation to the ATC between June 15-30, app users can join thousands of other walkers by downloading Walk the Distance from the App Store or Google Play.
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Press Release
Book Delves into the History of the Appalachian Trail
May 27, 2021
Explore the history of the A.T. in From Dream to Reality: History of the Appalachian Trail, by Thomas R. Johnson.
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Trail Update
East Mountain Fire Impacts on the A.T.
May 24, 2021
A western Massachusetts brush fire that became known as the East Mountain fire, jumped the Appalachian Trail in Clarksburg State Forest.
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Press Release
Bennington, Vermont, Celebrated as Newest A.T. Community™
May 19, 2021
The ATC and the Town of Bennington invite everyone to an online ceremony celebrating the designation of the newest Appalachian Trail Community™.
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Press Release
ATC Updates COVID-19 Guidance for Long-Distance A.T. Hikes
May 11, 2021
The ATC announced updated guidance for hikers on the A.T. during the COVID-19 pandemic, removing its recommendation against long-distance hikes requiring stops in trailside communities.
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ATC Statement
ATC Statement on the “America the Beautiful” Initiative Report
May 6, 2021
The ATC applauds the initial findings of the “America the Beautiful” report, which underscores the important role public lands have in conserving the natural resources on which all life depends.
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Trail Update
A.T. Reopens on Peters Mountain
April 22, 2021
The 15.3-mile section of the A.T. has been closed since mid-February for the repair of multiple transition towers, which were severely damaged by an ice storm.
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Trail Update
A.T. Shelters Reopen on U.S. Forest Service Lands
April 21, 2021
The U.S. Forest Service has reopened the A.T. shelters located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee, Nantahala, Pisgah, Cherokee, and George Washington-Jefferson National Forests, which were previously closed for COVID-19 safety.
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New Collection
Hydro Flask Launches Limited Edition Scenic Trails Bottle Series
April 20, 2021
Take along an icon on your next adventure and support the legendary Appalachian Trail! Today Hydro Flask unveiled its Limited Edition Scenic Trail series collection as part of its Parks For All program. Hydro Flask is donating one dollar per bottle, up to $65,000, toward the stewardship of three of America’s iconic trails: the A.T., the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.
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Press Release
U.S. Senate Confirms Secretary of the Interior
March 15, 2021
Today the U.S. Senate voted to confirm U.S. Representative Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior. An enrolled member of the Laguna Pueblo and a 35th generation New Mexican, Secretary-designate Haaland will be the first Native American Cabinet Secretary in the history of the United States.
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Press Release
Grants Awarded to Support A.T. Community Projects
March 12, 2021
The ATC today announced eight recipients as part of its Community Impact Grant program, distributing a total of $493,100.
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Winter Update for our Harpers Ferry Visitor Center
February 16, 2021
Although we had to close the doors to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry for most of the year, we thank everyone for working with us as we implemented protocols to help keep staff and visitors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Press Release
Hydro Flask Grant to Fund ATC Youth Internship Program
January 29, 2021
Hydro Flask’s $30,000 investment will advance the ATC’s education initiatives, helping to develop the next generation of passionate conservationists.
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Press Release
Executive Order to Positively Impact A.T.
January 27, 2021
On January 27, 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order to address climate change, enacting policies that will have direct positive impacts on the Appalachian Trail.
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Press Release
New Protections for McAfee Knob, Appalachian Trail Access
December 22, 2020
One of the most famous vistas on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), McAfee Knob, has been given additional protection with the acquisition of three tracts of land near Roanoke.
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Press Release
1,100 Acres Protected in Key A.T. Area
December 10, 2020
The conservation of 1,100 acres at Cove Mountain Preserve, part of the Kittatinny Ridge in Pennsylvania, will help protect important wildlife habitats and preserve multiple scenic views along the Appalachian Trail.
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ATC News
Remembering Tom Johnson, an A.T. Legend
December 7, 2020
Tom Johnson, former president of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and longtime volunteer and advocate for the A.T., passed away on December 5, 2020.
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Press Release
New Book Showcases Women Pioneers of the A.T.
November 20, 2020
This illuminating book covers ten decades of dedicated women who were essential contributors to the A.T. as it became an international recreation and conservation icon.
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ATC Update
Fall Update for our Harpers Ferry Visitor Center
October 30, 2020
In anticipation of colder weather and fewer visitors in the upcoming months, all in-person ATC visitor services in Harpers Ferry will be temporarily closed until February 2021.
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Press Release
Grant Announced to Support A.T. Community Projects
October 21, 2020
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy invites proposals from local, statewide and regional nonprofits that promote social, economic, and land justice in southeastern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia.
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Press Release
Gorham Designated an Official A.T. Community™
October 6, 2020
Join us on October 15, 2020, at 6 p.m. to celebrate the official designation of Gorham as the 48th Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community™.
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Press Release
Announcing the “Where We Walk” Podcast Miniseries
September 16, 2020
This six-part podcast miniseries bringing a new focus to the thousands of women who have built, hiked on and been inspired by the Appalachian Trail.
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Our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan
Our Strategy for A.T. Protection
September 15, 2020
Our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan will help build the foundation for the next century of Appalachian Trail management and protection.
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Press Release
Voluntary Stewardship Agreement to Advance A.T. Conservation
August 17, 2020
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, and Mountain Valley Pipeline Announce Shared Commitment to Conservation Stewardship.
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Press Release
Pipeline Fairness Act Introduced in Congress
August 6, 2020
Among other guidelines, this bill makes it easier for the public to offer input and clarify the circumstances under which eminent domain should and should not be used.
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Press Release
Great American Outdoors Act Signed Into Law
August 4, 2020
This Act is the most significant conservation legislation passed by Congress in decades, providing billions for landscape protection and deferred maintenance projects on public lands.
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Press Release
“Scenic Trail Viewshed Protection Act” Introduced in Congress
July 30, 2020
This legislation will help protect our national scenic trails by requiring stricter evaluation of natural gas pipeline projects that seek to cross these trails or their surrounding viewsheds.
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Press Release
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Great American Outdoors Act
July 22, 2020
With a vote of 310-107 in favor, the Great American Outdoors Act was passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives.
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ATC News
The 2020 Membership Meeting is Almost Here!
July 17, 2020
Our annual membership meeting will take place on Saturday, September 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon EDT.
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ATC News
Ed-Venture Series Features the A.T. as a Virtual Classroom
August 19, 2020
Learners of all ages to participate in the series, which will feature virtual lessons based on the world-famous Appalachian Trail.
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ATC News
A.T. Volunteers Return to the Trail
June 26, 2020
Appalachian Trail volunteers have been given the green light to resume Trail maintenance following guidelines offered by the National Park Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
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Press Release
Great American Outdoors Act Passes U.S. Senate
June 17, 2020
With a vote of 73-25 in favor, the Great American Outdoors Act was passed today by the U.S. Senate, bringing it one step closer to becoming one of the most sweeping conservation bills in decades.
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Media Statement
Supreme Court Renders Decision in Appalachian Trail Case
June 15, 2020
The ATC’s statement in response to the Supreme Court’s Decision in the case of United States Forest Service v. Cowpasture River Preservation Association.
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Press Release
Guidance Issued to Help A.T. Hikers Minimize COVID-19 Risks
May 21, 2020
This guidance covers a wide range of topics and considerations for hikers seeking to visit the Appalachian Trail during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Press Release
ATC Requests Temporary Closure of the A.T.
April 2, 2020
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Trail Maintaining Clubs formally requested the official closure of the 2,193-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) due to the growing risk of spreading COVID-19.
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Press Release
Great American Outdoors Act Introduced in U.S. Senate
March 9, 2020
The Great American Outdoors Act would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund and provide billions of dollars to deferred maintenance infrastructure projects on public lands.
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Media Statement
U.S. Senate Supports Funding for LWCF and Deferred Maintenance
March 4, 2020
Statement from Brendan Mysliwiec, Appalachian Trail Conservancy Director of Federal Policy and Legislation.
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Media Statement
Fatality Near the A.T. in Amicalola Falls State Park
February 20, 2020
On February 19, Dawson County officials announced that they had recovered the body of an aspiring Appalachian Trail thru-hiker who was reported missing this past weekend.
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Press Release
Funding Needed for McAfee Knob Trailhead Project
February 6, 2020
The construction of a pedestrian bridge and expanded parking area will greatly improve visitor safety at the trailhead to McAfee Knob, one of the most popular locations on the Appalachian Trail.
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Press Release
Construction Begins on Damascus, Va. Appalachian Trail Center
February 4, 2020
The new Appalachian Trail Center will introduce visitors to a variety of helpful information about the A.T., outdoor recreation and volunteer opportunities.
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Trail Incident
Train Derailment Closes Potomac Footbridge in Harpers Ferry
December 21, 2019
A train derailed early Saturday morning in Harpers Ferry, severely damaging the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge and severing the Appalachian Trail.
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Press Release
The ATC Submits Brief to Supreme Court
December 10, 2019
The ATC’s brief highlights the importance of preserving the Trail’s Cooperative Management System, which is essential for maintaining and conserving the Trail.
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ATC News
“Go Dark” Showcases A.T. Night Skies
December 9, 2019
See how the night sky shines brighter thanks to the wildness of A.T. lands.
Watch Now
Press Release
Three New Members Appointed to ATC Board of Directors
October 31, 2019
These individuals bring with them a variety of expertise and experience that will greatly assist the ATC in its goal of protecting the largest continuous landscape in the eastern United States, the Appalachian Trail.
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Press Release
Cox Conserves Heroes National Winner Donates Prize to the A.T.
October 22, 2019
Voters selected Diana Christopulos to be the 2019 National Cox Conserves Hero in recognition of decades of extensive conservation leadership around the country, including on the A.T.
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Press Release
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Cowpasture Case
October 4, 2019
On October 4, 2019, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision on how energy infrastructure is sited across the Appalachian Trail.
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Press Release
E3 Summit Trains Next Generation of Trail Stewards
September 19, 2019
Participants will receive hands-on opportunities to learn about public lands, outdoor recreation, conservation practices and ways to support new stories in stewardship and recreation.
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Press Release
Pa. Ordinance Protects the A.T. from Development Impacts
September 12, 2019
The Plainfield Township Supervisors supported a sweeping ordinance that will create better protection for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and township resources.
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Press Release
Overmountain Shelter Closed Until Further Notice
September 4, 2019
A popular camping location for Appalachian Trail hikers, Overmountain Shelter will be closed indefinitely after U.S. Forest Service engineers found the structure to be structurally unsound.
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Press Release
Suzanne Dixon Departs as ATC President & CEO
July 22, 2019
Suzanne Dixon will be resigning from her position as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective August 30, 2019. The ATC’s Board of Directors has selected Sandra Marra as the new President and CEO.
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Learn More
The ATC and 30 Trail-Maintaining Clubs register strong comments with the F.E.R.C.
June 26, 2018
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and 30 trail-maintaining clubs representing nearly 6,000 volunteers are calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to substantially improve the review process for siting natural gas pipelines.
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