In June 2008, Governor Rendell signed Act 24 requiring Pennsylvania municipalities along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to take such action, consistent with applicable law, to preserve the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the trail and to conserve and maintain it as a public natural resource. The Conservation Guidebook was prepared to assist municipalities in developing conservation strategies to implement the intent of Act 24. The Guidebook summarizes the Trail’s history, the challenges facing the Trail and the essential role of local communities and counties as partners with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the National Park Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and other nonprofits in maintaining the Trail’s landscape experience. Seven characteristics of communities that are most likely to be effective in addressing issues associated with the Trail are identified in the Guidebook. Those characteristics provide a checklist for municipalities to use as a starting point in making their own protection strategy for the Appalachian Trail. (See the Municipal Tools section of this website for examples of planning and regulatory documents along with application tips to further help municipalities implement their own Appalachian Trail protection strategy.)

Download Full Conservation Guidebook

or click on individual principles to the left.