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House Trails Caucus reception

By Bruce Matthews

Here is a photo from last night’s House Trails Caucus reception, showing Andrea and I and Greg Miller, president of American Hiking Society.  At the reception AHS honored Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR) for championing the trails agenda over the years, and Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), who announce his re-introduction of the Complete America’s Great Trails Act in this 113th Congress (H.R. 474).

Here is a summary of the Complete America’s Great Trails Act from the AHS’ website…

“The Complete America’s Great Trails Act – has the potential to significantly benefit some of the most spectacular trails in America. This proposed legislation would grant a tax credit to private landowners who provide conservation easements to certified National Scenic Trails – resulting in a low-cost incentive for willing landowners to donate easements that would increase trail connectivity. This means that private landowners have a new incentive to allow hikers to pass through their property, and trails get a guaranteed corridor that protects the connectivity and continuity of the hiking experience for years to come!”

This Act would greatly enhance the NCTA’s ability to complete about 2,000 miles of the NCT remaining to be built on privately-owned lands.