Appalachian Trail Centennial Act

The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act designates the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as the official "Designated Operational Partner" for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, formalizing its role in trail maintenance and stewardship. It establishes a "cooperative management system" that defines clear responsibilities for federal agencies, state entities, tribal governments, and volunteer organizations in managing national historic and scenic trails. The bill authorizes cooperative agreements between the federal government and designated partners to share operational responsibilities, including land preservation, facility maintenance, and volunteer coordination. It also requires regular reporting on trail visitation, economic impact on nearby communities, and progress toward land preservation goals, aiming to strengthen the partnership model that has sustained the Appalachian Trail for over a century.