STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

Purpose: The purpose of the Stewardship Council is to oversee policy development and programs related to stewardship of the Appalachian Trail and surrounding lands, and to be the key body that advises ATC’s Conservation Program on overall strategic direction. The council will serve as the interface among the Regional Partnership Committees, Trail clubs, ATC staff, agency partners, and the Board of Directors.

 Structure: The council will have 15 members drawn from the Regional Partnership Committees and the larger A.T. community, and will include a broad representation of Trail management perspectives. The council chair will be a member of the Board of Directors. The council chair may also establish sub-committees or working groups to accomplish its goals. A majority of the members of the council present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the council. Council members will be selected from recommendations made by Regional Partnership Committees, Clubs, ATC staff, Board members, and other partners. Candidates will be reviewed for appropriate qualifications by a selection committee appointed by the board chair and confirmed by the board. Nominations will be forwarded to the Board of Directors for action at its meeting held during ATC’s biennial conference. Council members may not serve for more than three consecutive terms without a respite of one term.

 Procedures: The Stewardship council will meet twice per year, with meetings lasting 1-2 days. Members will be encouraged to attend one meeting per year of the Regional Partnership Committees. As the need arises for additional meetings, these will occur by conference call. Communications among council members will also occur by telephone and e-mail. Council members will not be compensated for their services, but ATC will reimburse for expenses related to council activities.

Qualifications: Council members should demonstrate the skills and experience required for the highest possible level of effective management for the Appalachian Trail and the surrounding lands. A conservation mindset will be expected so that the Council will be able to take a holistic view of Trail stewardship. In addition to a commitment to Trail management and stewardship, members should also have a commitment to ATC and its mission and goals.

Responsibilities:  The Board will delegate certain decision-making authority to the Stewardship Council on issues related to Trail management and stewardship. In some cases, policy recommendations will be referred to the board for final action.

The council is expected to take a leading advisory and review role in:

• Trail and facility design, construction, and maintenance
• Land, cultural, and natural resource management
• Land protection, including ATC Land Trust activities
• Field program oversight (trail crew and ridgerunner programs)
• Landscape Level Planning
• Research, monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management
• Volunteer development and training
• Interpretation and education
• Community outreach and partnership development
• Threat identification and mitigation
• Advocacy

Specific Goals and Responsibilities for 2005-2007

1.      To guide development of ATC’s conservation plan.

2.      To conduct a review of ATC policy related to trail management and stewardship and recommend changes or additions to the Board of Directors.