# Summary
The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act strengthens the role of nonprofit organizations in managing and maintaining national scenic and historic trails. The bill designates the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as the primary operational partner for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and allows the federal government to designate similar partners for other trails, with authority to enter cooperative agreements lasting up to 20 years. These partners can receive federal funding, accept donations, coordinate volunteers, develop land conservation priorities, and request federal enforcement action against trespass or damage to trail resources. The bill also requires the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture to develop methods for assessing trail visitation and economic impacts on nearby communities within two to five years, and to submit reports to Congress on trail development progress and conditions by 2027 and 2029. The legislation authorizes ongoing appropriations through fiscal year 2030 for these assessment activities and for acquiring land and developing trail facilities.
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