Senators Kelly Ayotte and Tim Kaine to be Honored at The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Awards Gala in Washington, D.C.

Harpers Ferry, WV , June 17, 2015 (Newswire.com) - The Appalachian Trail Conservancy will recognize Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., and Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., during its sixth annual Leaders in Conservation Awards Gala on July 16, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Both senators are being honored for their advocacy for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) and the lands that surround the Trail.

Sen. Ayotte is committed to protecting the landscapes that make the A.T. such an invaluable asset and is a strong supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which provides funds to federal, state and local governments for the acquisition of land and water resources as protected areas for wildlife and recreation. Ayotte has introduced bipartisan legislation that would permanently reauthorize the LWCF, allowing it to conserve the parks, open spaces, and wildlife habitat that are critical to the Trail.

Sen. Kaine is commended for his accomplishments of preserving open space in Virginia and for sponsorship of legislation that reauthorizes key conservation programs, improves access to public lands, and helps boost the outdoor recreation economy. During his tenures as Senator and Governor of Virginia, he has worked to encourage tourism at national parks, including the A.T., while enhancing the surrounding local economies.

“Senator Ayotte and Senator Kaine are strong advocates for our nation’s public lands, including the Appalachian Trail,” said Ron Tipton, executive director/CEO of the ATC. “As the Appalachian Trail Conservancy seeks to expand its landscape conservation efforts, such advocacy is crucial for the wellbeing of the Appalachian Trail. We are proud to recognize these senators at our Gala for their support.”   

Event overview:

Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Leaders in Conservation Awards Gala

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2015

Time: 6 p.m. reception | 7 p.m. awards and dinner

Location: Jones Day Terrace Ballroom, 300 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

For more information, contact Mike Leonard at 304.885.0473 or [email protected] or visit www.appalachiantrail.org/gala2015.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information, please visit www.appalachiantrail.org