Thanks to the generosity of some agencies and the volunteer work of lots of people, hikers on the Appalachian Trail can enjoy the renovation of all 15 backcountry shelters in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As they do, they’ll be reaping the benefits from some partnerships worth noting and praising.

Labor and money from Friends of the Smokies, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club improved cooking and sleeping quarters for campers, while also reducing potential problems with black bears. Work at Laurel Gap, the 15th and final shelter project, began in September, but weather prevented delivery of roofing materials by helicopter. The volunteer crew returned the first week of December to finish roofing the shelter under the threat of winter snows.

Twelve of the park’s 15 backcountry shelters are located on the Appalachian Trail; Mount LeConte, Laurel Gap and Kephart Prong are not.

“As with all of the shelter projects over the years, this one required a real team effort,” said Jim Hart, president of Friends of the Smokies. “We are very grateful to all the partners and donors, to project coordinator Phyllis Henry, and to all the great volunteers for pitching in yet again.”

Funds from Friends of the Smokies and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy furnished supplies and helicopter delivery of materials. The Appalachian Trail Maintainers Committee of the hiking club provided the volunteer labor to rebuild each shelter.

This was a spirit of cooperation not unseen among those who cherish our mountains and national park. Since the park doesn’t charge admission, it doesn’t generate the kind of money other national parks do. Federal appropriations do not cover everything that the nation’s most visited national park requires.

As a result, it depends upon the kindness and generosity of organizations as well as interested and concerned individuals. In addition to grants from foundations, donations to the support organizations helps, as does money generated by the specialty license tags in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Since few people who visit the Smokies hike the backcountry, not many will see the efforts of many people to rehabilitate the trail shelters. But it’s yet another notch in the belts of those who care about our park and want to see it shine. Thanks to the many people responsible for the shelter project. A job well done.