2025 has unleashed many obstacles to conservation efforts. We have weathered everything from drastic funding cuts to large-scale environmental policy rollbacks.
But the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and our community of nearly 90,000 members have risen to the moment. We’re rallying, we’re advocating, and—together—we’re delivering tangible conservation wins that will benefit people and the outdoors for generations to come.
In a year when environmental setbacks dominate the headlines, let’s take a moment to celebrate the conservation wins our community has earned.
Conservation Achievements State-by-State
AMC Professional Trail Crew working on a DCR-funded trail project at Baldplate State Park, Georgetown, MA. Photo by Amanda Garza.
1. Massachusetts: A Budget Win for Public Lands and People
When Massachusetts’ fiscal year 2026 budget put environmental funding at risk, AMC raised its voice—and policymakers across party lines listened. Together, we helped secure crucial environmental funding, including a $3 million increase for the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This funding is a major step toward reducing the state’s $1 billion maintenance backlog. This move will ensure state and public land managers receive the money they need to improve public safety, maintain trails, and care for the state’s forests, parks, and beaches.
Night sky at AMC’s Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins in Maine. Photo by Alex Catullo.
2. Maine: New Law Highlights the Value of Dark Skies
As the home of the first and only International Dark Sky Park in New England, AMC is celebrating the passage of new legislation in Maine that designates biannual Dark Sky Weeks. These weeklong celebrations will raise awareness about the impact of light pollution on local ecosystems, wildlife, and human health while inspiring residents and visitors to experience the wonder of star-filled skies. As a leading advocate for protecting the night sky, AMC has also played a crucial role in bringing the bipartisan Act to Promote Responsible Outdoor Lighting to Governor Janet Mills’ desk, where it awaits final authorization.
Providence, RI. Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst/Unsplash.
3. Rhode Island: Conservation Meets Affordable Housing
AMC teamed up with the Rhode Island Land Trust Council to help pass the Housing & Conservation Trust Fund Act. This landmark legislation recognizes public green spaces and affordable housing as essential building blocks for healthy, safe, and strong communities. The bipartisan bill will bring local communities to the decision-making table and allocate funds for conservation, land use, housing, and other goals. It is a crucial step to ensuring that all Rhode Islanders have improved access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
South Bethlehem Greenway. Photo by Madison DeGerolamo.
4. Pennsylvania: Creating Greenways and Outdoor Opportunities
Two new land conservation projects have been underway in Pennsylvania to build green infrastructure and create recreation opportunities with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). First, the city of Bethlehem was awarded $3.7 million in grants to connect the South Bethlehem Greenway Trail to the Saucon Rail Trail, closing one of Pennsylvania’s top ten trail gaps. In a second win for the environment, Northampton County received money from the Highlands Conservation Act, a LWCF grant program that AMC helped sign into law as a leading member of the Highlands Coalition. These funds will help create the Bushkill Creek Greenway, a vibrant network of public parks and trail connections that offer space to walk, bike, fish, and observe wildlife.
View of Hell Mountain from Treanor Preserve. Photo by Chris Teasdale/Tewksbury Land Trust.
5. New Jersey: Protecting Land, Water, and Wildlife Habitats
In the Garden State, $528,000 in Highlands Conservation Act funding empowered the Tewksbury Land Trust to protect 60 acres of land for recreation and habitat protection, now open to the public for hiking, birding and passive recreation. Over its vast acreage, the Treanor Preserve includes meadows, streams, steep slopes, and a healthy forest—all essential habitats for local wildlife. This landscape also plays an essential role in supplying drinking water to its local region through an aquifer below the ground and its creek which feeds into the Raritan River. This recent preservation project neighbors other protected lands, extending habitats and connecting trails.
AMC Photo Contest entry taken at AMC’s Lonesome Lake Hut. Photo by Casey Breeds.
6. New Hampshire: Lease Renewal Enhances Backcountry Experiences
AMC secured a win for outdoor recreation in the Granite State with our lease renewal to operate Lonesome Lake Hut and provide trail services in Franconia Notch State Park through 2029. Approved by Governor Kelly Ayotte and the Executive Council, this agreement empowers AMC to continue supporting opportunities to fish, swim, hike, ski, and snowshoe in one of New Hampshire’s most beloved landscapes. By maintaining continuity of our High Mountain Huts system and stewardship of high visitation trails, AMC is reaffirming our commitment to conservation, public access, and joyful outdoor experiences across the White Mountain National Forest and the surrounding NH State Park lands.
AMC Connecticut Chapter walk in Ashford, CT. Photo by Joseph Abad.
7. Connecticut: Climate Legislation Becomes Law
After years of AMC advocating to pass the Connecticut Climate Protection Act, this historic climate bill has officially been signed into law! To address climate impacts, this bipartisan legislation prioritizes nature-based solutions, including forest conservation, green infrastructure, and wetland preservation. This landmark bill will play an important role in creating clean energy jobs, lowering energy costs, protecting green spaces, and enhancing outdoor opportunities.
AMC Professional Trail Crew, Mt. Pierce, White Mountain National Forest, NH. Photo by Corey David Photography.
Federal Threats AMC Overcame
There have been devastating staff and program cuts implemented at federal agencies that protect people, the outdoors, and the integrity of our natural resources. These actions will have lasting impacts. Yet as these and other federal obstacles continue to threaten environmental progress, the AMC community is showing the breadth of its power.
This year, your voice is making all the difference. Together, AMC has:
- Blocked the sale of up to 1.2 million acres of public lands by teaming up with advocacy partners across the country and rallying bipartisan support.
- Defended against a $100 million cut to the USDA Forest Legacy Program, protecting New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest and Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness.
- Sent nearly 1,500 letters to members of Congress, influencing policymakers across party lines to reject proposals to divert and delay LWCF funding.
While future threats remain, these were enormous conservation wins—powered by people like you.
Photo by Paula Champagne.
We’re Not Done Yet
Nature lovers across AMC’s region have continued to take action, and it’s working. But we aren’t acting alone. In conservation battles this year, AMC has teamed up with environmentalists, landowners, anglers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and diverse organizations.
Despite the obstacles coming our way, AMC’s community and our partners are stepping up and standing together. Every voice matters. Every action counts.
Want to help protect the places you love? Join our Conservation Action Network and we’ll keep you informed on critical conservation issues so you can use your voice when it matters most.