The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is launching a new initiative aimed at empowering Pennsylvania communities to lead conservation projects along the Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail Community Conservation Collaborative (ATCCC) will provide technical assistance, planning tools and help with funding applications to support communities in protecting their environment, culture and history while strengthening local economies.
“The Appalachian Trail Community Conservation Collaborative will help communities develop their own priorities while leveraging other resources,” said Katie Hess, director of Pennsylvania Landscape Conservation. “This is a timely opportunity to strengthen community assets, enhance quality of life, and form environmental management goals.”
The program will bring together 15 teams from different towns, boroughs or townships within Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Trail corridor. Those teams will include government officials, nonprofits, businesses and community advocates, with a focus on including historically disadvantaged or underrepresented communities.
Each participating town will launch a community-led conservation project and receive customized technical support, including design assistance, data analysis and identification of potential funding sources.
The initiative is being developed in partnership with the South Mountain Partnership, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and an Advisory Committee that includes representatives from various organizations including the Southern Appalachian Woodland Network in PA, WeConservePA, and the Trust for Public Land.
“Our state’s AT corridor is rich with irreplaceable treasures that people rely on, like woods, wildlife and numerous endangered species, and drinking water sources,” Hess said. “We want to see engaged and empowered Pennsylvanian communities leading stewardship efforts that create jobs and build local pride.”
Communities interested in participating must be located within the Appalachian Trail Landscape in Pennsylvania and meet team representation requirements. There is no cost to participate.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy will host informational webinars on Oct. 1 and 15 for community-based teams interested in joining the collaborative. More information is available at www.tinyurl.com/atccollab.
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff.