[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

[at-l] "The Attraction of the Trail"

This *is* from a PR release <g>
TJ
Richmond, VA. -- For more than 60 years people have been exploring the
wilderness on a trek that extends from Massachusetts to Georgia known as the
Appalachian Trail.  The trail's 2,118 miles run through 14 states including
Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. The world's largest
trail continues to entice people with its mystery and romance. With the
attraction to the trail also comes an economic boost to the neighboring towns
and communities.  The symbiotic relationship combined with the spirit of
preservation draws more than 24,000 dedicated volunteers to maintain the
trail's pristine beauty.  Volunteers battle the erosion of the trail due to
nature, fellow hikers, and commercial interests.
Region Focus writer Betty Joyce Nash explores the rugged trail and its impact
on its neighboring communities.  Nash's article appears in the latest issue of
Region Focus, a quarterly business magazine providing readers with information
on and analysis of the Fifth Federal Reserve District economy. The Fifth
District includes the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina and most of West Virginia.
Benton MacKaye, the trail's founder, wrote in 1921 of an "idea for a trail
that would run in a wilderness belt from one of the highest mountains in New
England to one of the highest in the South," reports Nash.  The Appalachian
Trail clubs and the Appalachian Trail conference crews logged more than
148,000 volunteer hours in 1997 to preserve MacKaye's vision.  These dedicated
volunteers maintain the trail so more than 3 million visitors can enjoy the
beauty of this narrow and winding path.  It's this same interest that also
threatens the preservation of the wilderness experience.  Development near
urban centers creates access problems and spoils natural views.  Most of the
trail still remains a wilderness experience; and, rural towns starved for
commercial enterprise capitalize on proximity to the trail, reports Nash.
The article concludes without a solution to the quandary posed by the
interests of recreational enthusiasts and preservationists.  It does, however,
offer insight on the economic interests that have crossed the path of the
Appalachian Trail.
Region Focus is a free publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
Copies of the publication are provided by the Bank's Public Affairs Division
by calling 804-697-8109.

* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *

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