WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the House passed a bill by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) honoring the 15th anniversary of National Trails Day.

National Trails Day, which occurs annually on the first Saturday of June, is a national recognition of our country’s 200,000 miles of trails.

Thompson’s bill (H.Res.401) celebrates trails for providing Americans with recreational and educational activities on our public lands. It also underscores the importance of protecting trails so future generations can continue to access and enjoy our country’s natural beauty.

“National Trails Day is a tribute to America’s love of the great outdoors,” said Thompson. “Trails enrich our nation’s communities by helping protect our natural vistas, views and habitats. They also provide millions of Americans with endless recreational and educational opportunities.”

Since 1993, thousands of volunteers and trail enthusiasts have held events across the country to celebrate National Trails Day.

Last week, more than 1,200 events were held in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. National Trails Day events include horseback rides, bike rides, kayak trips, interpretive hikes, exhibits and demonstrations.

“Northern California has some of the best trails in the world,” said Thompson. “National Trails Day is a great opportunity to explore Northern California’s unique and stunning public lands.”

Thompson has been a long-time champion for California’s wild spaces. Last fall, his bill designating 273,000 acres of Northern California as federally-protected wilderness was signed into law.

The designation spans five counties in the 1st Congressional District and is the largest addition of wilderness to California in more than a decade.

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