CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Virginia U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Virginia Rep. Don Beyer are among a group of bipartisan lawmakers that have introduced a bill that would strengthen the public-private partnerships that preserve, maintain, and manage national trails.

The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act is inspired by the National Trails System Act of 1968, which has led to the establishment and expansion of thousands of National Recreation Trails—aims to create a cooperative management tool to expand and protect national trails across the United States.

The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act is supported by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The legislation will model the ATC’s successful framework of integrating scenic and historic trails into conservation, recreation, and education networks to preserve and expand access to the trails.

“Our national trails and outdoors are some of America’s greatest treasures and make real contributions to our communities’ well-being and the economy,” said Sen. Kaine, in a statement released by his office. “I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to hike much of the Appalachian Trail, and I’m proud to partner with the ATC and my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation to improve public-private coordination efforts to expand access to these incredible spaces and preserve them for future generations.”

Under the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act, Designated Operational Partners would enter into agreements of up to 20 years with the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service to care for National Scenic and Historic Trails. The legislation will also recognize the decades of dedicated service by the Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs and their volunteers.

Full text of the Senate bill is available here. A one-pager of the bill is available here.