Senator Tim Kaine recognized by Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy honored Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., during its sixth annual Leaders in Conservation Awards Gala this summer in Washington, D.C. The ATC also honored Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., at the event. Both senators were recognized for their leadership in conservation and support of the Appalachian Trail.
Sen. Kaine has made great strides in preserving open space in Virginia through his sponsorship of legislation that reauthorizes key conservation programs, improves access to public lands and helps boost the outdoor recreation economy. Kaine also helped secure funding for the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which enacts significant conservation measures for watersheds, forests, and farms throughout the mid-Atlantic, with direct effect on many of the landscapes and ecosystems that are on or near the Trail.
At about 550 miles, Virginia is home to more of the Appalachian Trail than any of the other 13 states along its route. In the New River Valley, stretches of the Trail pass closest to Pearisburg and Newport.
Sen. Ayotte has been a champion of conservation efforts, such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides funds for the public acquisition of land and water resources as protected areas for wildlife and recreation. In addition to introducing bipartisan legislation that would permanently reauthorize the LWFC, Ayotte co-sponsored the Sportsman’s Act, a bipartisan bill to conserve wildlife and public lands. Her home state of New Hampshire, the next-to-last state on the Trail, has approximately 160 miles of the Trail, and some of the more rugged hiking conditions.
“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to honor senators Kaine and Ayotte for their distinguished efforts to protect public lands, including the Appalachian Trail,” said Ron Tipton, executive director and CEO of the ATC. “Presenting the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Congressional Award to these esteemed senators was a great privilege for the organization.”
In addition to Kaine and Ayotte, the ATC recognized Recreational Equipment Inc. with the Corporate Leader Award. REI is dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. In communities across the country, REI partners with local and national nonprofits to help restore or maintain popular trails, parks and waterways. The company recently awarded the ATC a grant that supports sustainable environmental practices along the Trail, particularly in the southern region, which is the most popular location to begin hiking the 2,180-mile trail.
“REI’s support over the past 10 years has helped the Appalachian Trail Conservancy protect the Appalachian Trail, and has supported our volunteer trail crews, community engagement and educational initiatives,” said Tipton. “We are proud to have REI as a partner.”
The Leaders in Conservation Gala is made possible by the generous support of its corporate sponsors. This year major support was provided by Expedia and PenFed Credit Union with additional support from Arnold and Porter, The Bavarian Inn, Brown Advisory, Comcast NBCUniversal, Crenshaw Associates, Honeywell and Summit Global Ventures. All proceeds benefit the ATC.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park System, the Trail ranges from Georgia to Maine and is approximately 2,190 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail, ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow and for centuries to come.
