Abstract:

• To acknowledge the Partnership for the National Trails System for their contribution to a cooperative approach concerning access, conservation and preservation of trails 
• To honor President Johnson’s environmental legacy promoting conservation with a focus on, “not just nature alone but with the total relationship of man and the world around him”  The National Trails System Act symbolizes this merger.

• Completing the largest photographic endeavor ever undertaken by an individual  
• 1st Person to hike/photograph the 16,500 miles of the National Scenic Trails

Historical Context:

The 1960’s were a time of upheaval and evaluation.  One area that received much evaluation was the environment.  Wilderness designations, litter cleanup campaigns, and Earth Day were all manifestations of this new environmental awareness.  Also created during this time was the National Trails System, which was a natural descendent of the National Park System.  The intent was to create a system of trails, which would highlight the natural and cultural character of the American landscape.  On October 2, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Trails System Act into law stating, “We can and should have an abundance of trails for walking, cycling, and horseback riding in and close to our cities.”  Today, forty years later, eight trails have been designated National Scenic Trails, which are defined by law as continuous extended routes of outdoor recreation within protected corridors.  These trails, designed primarily for hiking, have a combined length that stretches nearly 16,500 miles through 35 states, highlighting many of America’s most scenic views.  In 1978, Congress established twelve National Historic Trails.  Today there are 18 with the newest one being The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.  It was established this year it, commemorating the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. National recreation as well as side and connecting trails do not need Congressional approval for creation.  They are local in nature.  There are 1054 listed in the database of National Recreation Trails.  The total number of trails under the National Trails System is 1080.