Appalachian National Scenic Trail Expanded in Virginia

July 2, 2024

National Park Trust and National Park Service Partner to Protect Appalachian Trail’s Landscape and Wildlife with Key Property Acquisition

Washington, D.C. (July 2, 2024) – OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE – National Park Trust and the National Park Service (NPS) have announced the successful acquisition of a 128-acre parcel of land along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Virginia. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in preserving the scenic beauty and ecological integrity of one of America’s most cherished hiking trails.

Previously listed on the open market, the property faced immediate threats from potential development, which would have severely impacted the trail’s natural scenery and hiking experience. Recognizing the urgent need to add this land to the national scenic trail, National Park Trust assisted the NPS by purchasing the land to hold until the NPS could take ownership. The Park Trust quickly acquired the property to meet the property owner’s timeline, ensuring its protection from imminent development.

The acreage holds substantial ecological and conservation value. Its location, within view of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail near Berryville, Virginia, ensures the preservation of the trail’s wild and undeveloped character, thereby enhancing the hiking experience for millions of visitors. Rated “very high” in ecological and forest conservation value by the Commonwealth of Virginia, the land supports diverse flora and fauna. Moreover, The Nature Conservancy identified the property as highly resilient to climate change, further underscoring its significance in broader conservation efforts. National Park Trust initiated and executed a comprehensive strategic plan, including property appraisal, environmental site assessments, and negotiations with the property owners. This collaboration culminated in the successful acquisition and temporary management of the property by the Park Trust, safeguarding it until NPS could purchase the land from the Park Trust. NPS took ownership 19 months after the Park Trust purchased the land.

“This land acquisition protects important viewsheds, improves the recreational experience, and protects habitat in a popular section of the AT in Northern Virginia,” said Ed Clark, Superintendent, Appalachian National Scenic Trail. “We appreciate the assistance of the National Park Trust for its critical role and assistance to make this possible.”

“We are pleased that we could quickly respond to the urgent needs of the National Park Service to acquire and hold the land until it was conveyed to the Appalachian Trail. This acreage not only improves the hiking experience for millions of visitors but also addresses future impacts of climate change,” stated Grace Lee, Executive Director, National Park Trust.

To learn more about this project, please visit: https://parktrust.org/protected-parks/appalachian-national-scenic-trail-morgans-mill-va/

ABOUT NATIONAL PARK TRUST

National Park Trust’s mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow. Since 1983, the Park Trust has acquired many of the missing pieces of our national parks, benefiting 55 national park sites across the country. Our national youth education and family initiatives, including our Buddy Bison, College Ambassador and Military Family Programs, and National Kids to Parks Day, serve tens of thousands of children annually and cultivate future park stewards. We believe our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed, and preserved by all for current and future generations. Find out more at parktrust.org.

Media Contact: Ivan Levin at 540.818.5818 or ivan@parktrust.org.

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