Hikers visiting the Appalachian Trail this summer may not realize how much coordination goes into maintaining the 2,180-mile trail that winds through 14 states.
A memorandum of understanding was signed in Connecticut earlier this summer to outline just how coordination on the Appalachian Trail will occur over the next ten years. It was signed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Community and Economic Development, the State Police, and the Department of Transportation.
Bob Proudman, Director of Conservation Operations for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, explained the value of current agreements with state governments and lead agencies for parks, forests, and highways.
"If, for example, we have an emergency requiring search and rescue," Proudman explained, "then DEEP, and their people at the state forest level, are prepared to aid in the evacuation. Similarly, if we have an issue at a state roadway, we know who to contact, and they know us, if there’s going to be highway construction, that kind of thing. We try and maintain agreements with all 14 states, and we’re just really pleased to be current in Connecticut."
The memorandum of understanding helps agencies caring for the trail avoid surprises, like proposals to clear-cut in a forest, or plans to run a gas pipeline through an area.
Proudman added that the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut may be considered soon for listing on the National Historic Register.
