Keystone Trails Association

Last week, ATC President and CEO Sandi Marra testified before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands to discuss the benefits and impacts of H.R. 9159 – the Appalachian Trail Centennial Act. As the ATC prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary early next year, this legislation marks a crucial step to solidify the public-private partnership that has enabled the ATC and the federal government to work together to protect and conserve the Appalachian Trail. The bill also establishes a framework for formal recognition of our community of partners and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect our beloved Trail and its landscape every day. This legislation will not only benefit the A.T. It will also support all National Scenic and Historic Trails by improving the coordination of resources and partners, bolstering management tools, and formalizing the gathering of data and information on visitation and economic benefits of National Trails to ensure these special places are maintained and conserved for the next generation.

KTA staff Kate Prisby attended the Lloyd Clark Trail dedication with Lancaster Conservancy. This Universal Access Trail will provide outdoor recreation access to those with limited mobility, sensory limitations, or PTSD. Kudos to all involved in making this happen! #UniversalAccess #OutdoorRecreation #LancasterConservancy

The?Appalachian Trail Museum?has announced that its 2024 Class of the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame will be inducted on Saturday, Sept. 21. Brook Lenker, executive director of the Keystone Trails Association (KTA), will be the emcee for the 2024 banquet. Founded in 1956, KTA promotes, provides, preserves, and protects hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. KTA is also one of the 30 clubs that maintain the Appalachian Trail. Lenker came to KTA in October 2021, bringing decades of service to the environment. He most recently served as the executive director of FracTracker Alliance, a national organization addressing the risks of fossil fuel development. Previously, he served as manager of education and outreach for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, as Director of Watershed Stewardship with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and as the Recreation Program Director with Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department. His education includes master’s and bachelor’s degrees in geography and environmental planning from Towson University. PennLive.com

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is hiring! Check out the open role for Mid-Atlantic Trail Crew Camp Coordinator! https://lnkd.in/eumtdukK

A beautiful day in Centre County Keystone Trails Association looks forward to working with the FOUNDATION FOR PENNSYLVANIAWATERSHEDS, ClearWater Conservancy, Pennsylvania Equine Council., Centred Outdoors, and the Rothrock Trails Alliance.

?? Marilla Reservoir in Bradford, PA! Get ready for an exciting adventure in the great outdoors! The Keystone Trails Association and the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship have collaborated to create a Pennsylvania Wilds-themed hiking guidebook for the scenic Pennsylvania Wilds region. Team members from DCNR, PA Wilds Center, and KTA joined author and hiking scout Ben Cramer. We are so excited to be working on this project, and we will keep our members and audience updated on its progress and release!

Shout out to Lancaster Connects for hosting KTA on Monday's podcast! Kate Prisby and?Haley Feaster?will chat with KTA and share more details on our fall event: Keystone Hiking and Outdoors Weekend in the Susquehanna Riverlands!! Tune in at 2 pm, Monday, July 29th. https://lnkd.in/ex2iViQd

Wilderness Advanced First Aid? November 7-10th| Camp Hebron, Halifax, PA This November, KTA will offer a four-day Wilderness Advanced First Aid class sanctioned by Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). According to WMA, "Wilderness Advanced First Aid is the perfect entry-level course for outdoor adventurers and outdoor professionals who may need to provide patient care when help is delayed for hours to days. The course focuses on basic lifesaving skills, patient assessment, field care for common injuries and illnesses, environmental illnesses, and proper reporting for rescue assistance." Wilderness Advanced First Aid provides invaluable confidence and medical skills to anyone who spends time in the outdoors or leads group activities in outdoor settings. The course includes expert instruction, course materials, coffee & continental breakfast daily, and lunch daily. Class will run from approximately 8:00 am- 5/5:30 pm. Lodging may be available upon request with Camp Hebron at extra cost. Participants will be expected to set up an account and view course information at a WMA website prior to attending the course (KTA will send details to registrants).? Cost: $375 - KTA Volunteers $400 - KTA?Members and member organizations $425 - General Public/Non-Members? "A limited number of partial scholarships may be available. If interested, please contact KTA" For more information or to register visit: https://lnkd.in/eRRzXH3R

"Meet" your Pennsylvania hiking trails through series of trailers produced by the Keystone Trails Association. View all ten currently available on their YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/4eaoJvN

Temperatures are soaring on the Appalachian Trail, with heat advisories in effect in the Northeast. Along the A.T., the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions will be most severely impacted. Heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses can be life threatening. Under extremely hot and humid conditions, the smartest thing is to postpone your hike. If you're thru-hiking, take a few “zero” days. It’s much easier (and more pleasant) to prevent heat-related illness than to manage recovery. If you do hit the Trail, here are some tips to stay safe: ?? Avoid hiking in the hottest part of the day. Start early, and avoid the hours from about noon to 8 p.m. ?? Stay hydrated. Start the day hydrated and drink frequently. If possible, partially freeze or put ice in your water bottles. Wrap them with a towel or spare clothing and put them in the middle of your pack to keep them cold longer. ?? Carry plenty of water. You may need as much as 32 ounces of liquid an hour in hot weather. ?? Replenish electrolytes by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks, or eating fruits or salty snacks. ?? Reduce your daily mileage considerably. Avoid big climbs and hikes with extensive open areas. ?? Take rest breaks in the shade often. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eeAXCgid ?? Renee Neufeld