American Hiking Society Capitol Trails Broadcast Help Fund Your Trails

May 30, 2001

Contact your Representative today to help increase funding for trails in FY 2002. The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has scheduled its markup (vote) for June 6. NOW is the time to call your Representative and urge him/her to support funding increases for trails and recreation management. American Hiking recommends the following appropriations:

• $8.25 million for the sixteen national scenic and historic trails administered by the National Park Service.
• $12 million for the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program.
• $330 million for Recreation Management, Heritage and Wilderness and $100 million for Capital Improvement and Maintenance for trails in the USDA Forest Service.
• $59 million increase for Recreation Management in the Bureau of Land Management.

Trail and recreation management programs in the federal agencies remain severely underfunded and understaffed. The agencies require funding increases to enhance natural and cultural resource management and protection, improve visitor services, and strengthen volunteer partnerships.

To write your Member of Congress directly via email, visit http://www.americanhiking.org/policy/write.html, adding a paragraph if you choose to personalize your request. Also contact Members on the House Appropriations Committee http://www.house.gov/appropriations/members.htm and express the same message-that you support funding increases for trails and recreation management in the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Note--May 28-June 1 is Memorial Day Recess--a great time to reach Members at home in their districts.