Senator Richard Blumenthal has introduced the Complete America’s Great Trails Act to help expand and preserve National Scenic Trails. The Appalachian Trail extends 52 miles across the state from Salisbury in the north to Sherman in the south.
The legislation would give tax credits to landowners who voluntarily make land contributions towards the completion of America’s national trail system. Connecticut Forest and Park Association Executive Director Eric Hammerling says the tax credit provides the extra incentive necessary for private landowners to protect the New England National Scenic Trail corridor. He noted that about 40-percent of the corridor goes through unprotected properties.
Administered by the National Park Service or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, National Scenic Trails span 18,249 miles across 30 states and the District of Columbia and host millions of visitors each year.
Since 1968, the total number of trails has grown from only the Appalachian and Pacific Crest trails to 11 culturally significant national trails.
