ACT 24 SUMMARY
With the passage of Act 24 signed by Governor Rendell in June, 2008, 58 Pennsylvania municipalities
through which the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (“AT”) runs are required by law to use their zoning
authority to preserve the AT and protect the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic resources along the
trail. Section 4 of that Act states that municipalities shall “take such action consistent with
applicable law, as at least an interim measure, to preserve the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic
values of the trail and to conserve and maintain it as a public natural resource. Such action shall
include the adoption, implementation and enforcement of zoning ordinances as the governing body deems
necessary to preserve those values.”
The Act directs the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to assist municipalities in complying with these provisions by September 2009. It also directs the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to assist municipalities in the “identification and acquisition of property appropriate for a conservation easement or other protection measures and provide information to municipalities relating to protection measures such as conservation easements and other techniques through its grant programs.”
The Act directs the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to assist municipalities in complying with these provisions by September 2009. It also directs the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to assist municipalities in the “identification and acquisition of property appropriate for a conservation easement or other protection measures and provide information to municipalities relating to protection measures such as conservation easements and other techniques through its grant programs.”