New Potomac Heritage Superintendent Moves Trail Protection Forward
Jeri DeYoung has a plan for securing a well-protected Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHT).
Last summer, Jeri was selected by the National Park Service to be the Superintendent of the PHT. She has over 33 years of experience with the federal government, beginning as a museum specialist, archeologist, and Tribal Liaison at Flagstaff Area National Monument. She later took on a variety of roles with the Parks Service, including Interpretive Ranger, Natural Resources Manager, and most recently the Cultural & Natural Resources Manager for the C&O Canal National Historic Park.
In her new position as Superintendent of the PHT, Jeri intends to elevate public awareness of the PHT and complete the Trail by connecting its numerous sections. Her first priorities to achieve those goals include:
- Completing a Feasibility Study for the PHT route from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park through Loudoun County, Virginia;
- Funding a Comprehensive Management Plan, which would achieve a high level of resource protection as well as sustainable management for the Trail;
- And developing a five year overall funding plan for the Trail.
Long-time leader within the Potomac Heritage Trail Association Bill Niedringhaus and other volunteers are working with Jeri to expand protection of the Trail and connect the missing links to provide more than 700 miles of continuous, high-quality trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland.
