Va. man takes over Appalachian Trail Conservancy

After 25 years, the group that develops and maintains the Appalachian Trail has a new leader.

Architect Mark Wenger is taking over the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, based in Harpers Ferry.

Wenger has worked for 32 years at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Virginia.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting (http://bit.ly/z0CU6Q) says he's also been active with the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club and the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club in Virginia.

They're two of the 31 groups that help maintain the 2,100-mile trail that runs from Maine to Georgia.

Wenger is replacing David Startzell.

Wenger says he's hiked the entire trail one section at a time over eight years. He sees his biggest challenge as engaging the next generation of hikers and supporters.