active transportation

This guide attempts to balance economic development with environmental conservation of the lands adjacent to the Appalachian Trail. Although the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is an unusual (though not unique) case, the discussion in this Pennsylvania guidebook is relevant to development around exurban and rural trails. This guide looks to protect important natural and historic resources by maintaining a natural resource buffer along the Appalachian Trail. It also looks to promote connections with municipal trails and greenways and integration with a community’s natural resource system, so that residents might enjoy the health and environmental benefits of the trail. The guide encourages development that might economically benefit the community. The appendix also includes model code language for a “Model Appalachian National Scenic Trail Overlay District.”