[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 19 (Friday, January 31, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE ARIZONA NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL 20TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. RON BARBER

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 31, 2014

  Mr. BARBER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Arizona 
Trail Association and honor its celebration of the Arizona National 
Scenic Trail's 20th Anniversary.
  In a short time, the Arizona National Scenic Trail has become one of 
the premier long distance trails in the country. The people that have 
worked to make this happen over the last 20 years are as diverse as the 
trail itself The Arizona Trail demonstrates what trail users and land 
managers can accomplish when they share a common vision.
  School teacher Dale Shewalter developed the concept of a cross-state 
trail in the 1970s and began traveling around Arizona giving 
presentations on his vision of a trail connecting communities, 
mountains, canyons, deserts, forests, public lands, historic sites, 
various trail systems, wilderness areas and other points of interest. 
The idea was embraced by all types of trail users throughout Arizona, 
Arizona State Parks, National Forests, the Bureau of Land Management 
and National Parks Service.
  In 1994, the Arizona Trail Association incorporated as a 501(c)(3) 
non-profit organization and became an organized voice for the trail, 
bringing together passionate hikers, backpackers, equestrians, mountain 
bicyclists, runners, trail builders, nature enthusiasts, cross-country 
skiers and others from throughout the state. These committed 
individuals provided the necessary route identification, volunteers for 
building and maintaining the trail, logistical support, fundraising and 
awareness for the trail and ensured that it received National Scenic 
Trail status.
  I am proud to have segments of the Arizona National Scenic Trail in 
my district, and congratulate the diverse supporters who made it a 
reality, including Matt Nelson, Arizona Trail Association's Executive 
Director, and Gary Hohner, the Association's Board President. And 
special thanks to all those in Southern Arizona who enjoy the trail now 
and work to preserve it for future generations.

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