MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • May 5, 2024
he Maine Trail Crew has been a critical component of the Maine Appalachian Trail Club’s efforts to maintain the state’s 267-mile stretch of the AT – plus side trails, shelters, campsites and privies – since 1976. These folks do the heavy lifting, bridge building and rock work, for example, that regular volunteers cannot. But for the past 30 years, the seasonal crew, lacking a home base, has been forced to move six times. That situation is about to change in a big way, however, thanks in part to the generous donation of an MATC member. Mark McAuliffe donated $1 million before his death in October for a facility to house those who maintain the Appalachian Trail, and much more. ~ Carey Kish