The National Trails System: An Illustrated History

The National Trails System, An Illustrated History richly describes how the National Trails System was established by federal law in 1968. It builds on the conservation history of the mid-20th Century to show how the trails system grew from the same political trends that envisioned the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the Environmental Protection Act. Once passed, the Trails Act—and the trails it established—evolved as political and public trends shifted. This history portrays these changes to show that what started as an experiment has resulted in a nationwide network of trails for all tastes and abilities involving thousands of volunteers and providing recreational and heritage opportunities for millions. Readers interested in recreation, discovery, history, politics, and conservation will find these themes unfolding around the story of America’s national trails. At first, there were only two trails—the well-known Appalachian and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails. Today, there are thirty national scenic and historic trails creating a network larger than the Interstate Highway System. This is the first comprehensive history of the National Trails System. It is based largely on primary sources and is offered in chronological chapters, with photographs and maps. The 50th anniversary of the National Trails System is an ideal time to document its evolution and progress.

1134768087
The National Trails System: An Illustrated History

The National Trails System, An Illustrated History richly describes how the National Trails System was established by federal law in 1968. It builds on the conservation history of the mid-20th Century to show how the trails system grew from the same political trends that envisioned the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the Environmental Protection Act. Once passed, the Trails Act—and the trails it established—evolved as political and public trends shifted. This history portrays these changes to show that what started as an experiment has resulted in a nationwide network of trails for all tastes and abilities involving thousands of volunteers and providing recreational and heritage opportunities for millions. Readers interested in recreation, discovery, history, politics, and conservation will find these themes unfolding around the story of America’s national trails. At first, there were only two trails—the well-known Appalachian and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails. Today, there are thirty national scenic and historic trails creating a network larger than the Interstate Highway System. This is the first comprehensive history of the National Trails System. It is based largely on primary sources and is offered in chronological chapters, with photographs and maps. The 50th anniversary of the National Trails System is an ideal time to document its evolution and progress.

26.99 In Stock
The National Trails System: An Illustrated History

The National Trails System: An Illustrated History

by Steve Elkinton
The National Trails System: An Illustrated History

The National Trails System: An Illustrated History

by Steve Elkinton

Paperback(None)

$26.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 1-2 days.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

The National Trails System, An Illustrated History richly describes how the National Trails System was established by federal law in 1968. It builds on the conservation history of the mid-20th Century to show how the trails system grew from the same political trends that envisioned the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the Environmental Protection Act. Once passed, the Trails Act—and the trails it established—evolved as political and public trends shifted. This history portrays these changes to show that what started as an experiment has resulted in a nationwide network of trails for all tastes and abilities involving thousands of volunteers and providing recreational and heritage opportunities for millions. Readers interested in recreation, discovery, history, politics, and conservation will find these themes unfolding around the story of America’s national trails. At first, there were only two trails—the well-known Appalachian and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails. Today, there are thirty national scenic and historic trails creating a network larger than the Interstate Highway System. This is the first comprehensive history of the National Trails System. It is based largely on primary sources and is offered in chronological chapters, with photographs and maps. The 50th anniversary of the National Trails System is an ideal time to document its evolution and progress.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781641120197
Publisher: Nextone Inc
Publication date: 05/28/2020
Edition description: None
Pages: 276
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Steve Elkinton grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1969. After a few years wandering the U.S. (where he had a formative experience along the Pacific Crest Trail) and Europe, he settled down to study landscape architecture, obtaining a degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976. In 1978 he joined the National Park Service carrying out planning and design projects in the greater Washington, D.C. area and the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation area (now National Park) in Ohio. Starting in 1989 until he retired 25 years later, Steve served as program leader for National Trails System activities within NPS preparing legislative testimony, developing policy, coordinating with field staff, refining budgets and grants, and strengthening interagency cooperation. Steve now serves on the board of the Partnership for the National Trails System and played a leadership role in the Trails System’s 50th anniversary in 2018.

Table of Contents

Where Trails Lead: Our Heritage vii

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction xiii

Glossary of Abbreviations xix

1 Forerunners 1906-1963 1

2 Foundation Stones 1964-1966 16

3 Original Act 1967-1968 24

4 Getting Started 1968-1976 34

5 Imagining Historic Trails 1971-1975 45

6 Bringing Appalachian Trail Protection to Life 92

7 Wrapping Up the First Decade 1976-1979 102

8 Building the System 1978-1983 115

9 Making the System Operational 1984-1990 129

10 The Roaring 1990s - Part 1 146

11 The Roaring 1990s - Part 2 161

12 The New Millennium 2001-2008 180

13 A Decade for the National Trails System 2008-2018 199

14 Conclusion 221

The Trails 62

Appendix - Timeline 229

Bibliography 233

Index 251

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews