A Socioeconomic Atlas for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its Region

McKendry, Jean; Johnson, Melanie

Introduction: The purpose of this atlas is to provide trail managers, planners, community leaders, and others with a better understanding of changing human activities and socioeconomic conditions in the region surrounding the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT). Such changes can create complex trail management challenges. Information about regional trends and conditions is needed in order to manage and conserve trail resources – both natural and cultural – more effectively. This atlas provides such information in a series of maps, complemented by tables, other graphics, and explanatory text. Maps are effective ways of conveying information. A map can highlight geographical patterns in data by showing the relationship between what is happening and where it is happening. The maps in this atlas combine contextual information (such as boundary lines) with thematic information (such as demographic or economic statistics). This combination of contextual and thematic information helps the reader observe general trends inherent in the distribution of data. For example, a map that shows the population growth rate for each county in the trail region may reveal that many of the highest growth rates are concentrated in counties south of the trail. Each map, together with tabular data and other graphics, is designed to allow for easy comparison, so readers can see how conditions and trends in their own counties compare with those in other counties and relate to larger regional patterns. The consistent map design allows readers to make comparisons among two or more maps. For example, comparing maps of federal expenditures per person and poverty rates might reveal that federal expenditures tend to be higher in a region’s poorer counties. There are many potential uses for this atlas. For example, trail managers can share the atlas with new staff, management partners, regional NPS staff, the media, or policy makers as a way of orienting them to the basic facts about the region. Planners can use the atlas to examine emerging trends in the region surrounding the AT and to prioritize actions to mitigate any anticipated adverse impacts on trail resources. Local and regional leaders can consult the atlas to develop environmental policies that support trail management goals while remaining responsive to local needs. Researchers can use the atlas to design studies that have practical benefit to trail and ecosystem management. Additional uses are discussed in the atlas’ concluding section, pages 88-89. Regardless of how it is used, the atlas can serve as a useful reference tool that adds to the body of usable scientific knowledge about the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and its surrounding region.