Re: [at-l] Extending the AT

[Northern Wind <northernwind@geocities.com>]

Thomas Morey Ludden wrote:
> 
>         I have to disagree with most of you on the point. The reason the AT is
> being protected is because of the volunteer effort by all the local maintaining
> clubs. The reason why money has been appropriated to protect the land has been
> through the efforts of the ATC staff and board members. Thru-hikers offer great
> PR, however, I find it hard to believe this is a strong reason why money is
> appropriated. If any of you ever spend time at ATC offices volunteering, you
> quickly see all the work that is done to obtain funding to protect the trail.
>        The "AT" is already being extended into Canada, however, an entirely
> different organization is overseeing its development. It is officially being
> called the International AT. I think any efforts to add mileage to the AT is
> applauded. Springer and Katahdin will always be special places even if the are
> no longer the "ends" of the trail. This gives the opportunity of more land to be
> protected from development and more miles for all of us to enjoy. Weather or not
> the trail is hiked in one year or several years is a weak argument for
> protecting more land for the enjoyment of all.
> Cough Drop
> GA-ME
> 95/96

Cough Drop makes good points about the tremendous efforts and hard work
of the various trail clubs and the ATC volunteers.  Without these
organizations and individuals, my thru hike would not have been
possible.  I also applaud the protection of more land from development
and more hiking miles to enjoy.  At extending the AT, however, I must
part ways with my friend, Cough Drop. Land protection and creation of
additional trails are goals which should be pursued independently.  If
you raise an umbrella high enough, you can provide some relief to two
people instead of one person, but neither will be dry. The AT is long
enough; it will not be enhanced by making it any longer.  Let's
concentrate our efforts toward protecting, improving, and cherishing the
present AT, which will have enough difficult challenges ahead without
being stretched any thinner.

Quid Pro Quo
GA>ME '96
* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *

==============================================================================

---

• Prev by Date: [at-l] Extending the AT
• Next by Date: [at-l] Water on AT in SNP
• Prev by thread: [at-l] Extending the AT
• Next by thread: Re: [at-l] Extending the AT
• Index(es):
  • Date
  • Thread