TPC is being founded to support the Pisgah Ranger District because it contributes profoundly to our lives, our organizations, and our communities -- and because it needs our help. Managing National Forest system resources has become increasingly challenging. In a world of debilitating government budget battles and shutdowns, the private sector has an opportunity to play an increasingly important role in maintaining the richness of Pisgah for future generations. TPC is one key mechanism through which we hope to accomplish just that.

The Pisgah National Forest is among the most visited in the nation, with millions of visits annually. Of those visitors approximately 73% participate in hiking, bicycling, or horseback riding. In recent years, annual non-motorized trail funding for the Pisgah Ranger District has been in the range of roughly $90,000 per year. This equates to approximately $235 per trail mile. It can cost $10,000-$15,000 per mile for contracted trail maintenance, and construction of new trails or relocations can be much more expensive. So, the amount of Forest Service budgetary funding available is far less than that needed to maintain the trails to National Quality Standards.