Just two weeks ago I made another trip to Washington DC to talk again with our lobbyist, Destry Jarvis and others, about advancing our cause in the next session of Congress, but more specifically to meet early, right after the presidential election, with the transition team the incoming president will create, and in that way try to influence hiking trail legislation and budget considerations for the 2018 budget.
By the time you read this, I will be in Salt Lake City attending the semi-annual Outdoor Retailer Show. I will be seeking industry support for our mission of closing the gaps in all National Scenic Trails, not just the Appalachian Trail. So far I have appointments with the heads of Lowa, JanSport, Garmont America, Vasque, The North Face and the editor of BACKPACKER. Wish me luck.
Our new website, www.hikingtrailsforamerica.org is up and running. Take a look. We will be tweaking it regularly. There are several obvious corrections needed. In the next week or two look over the site critically and pass on any thoughts for improving it.