Honoring the Life, Legacy, and Vision of Co-Founder William “Backpacker Bill” Kemsley

WHEREAS, the American Hiking Society (AHS) community, its Board of Directors, and hikers across the nation mourn the passing of William “Bill” Kemsley at the age of 98 at his home in Taos, New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, Bill Kemsley was a visionary trailblazer in the outdoor recreation and conservation movements, famously known to generations of outdoor enthusiasts as “Backpacker Bill”; and

WHEREAS, in 1973, Bill Kemsley founded Backpacker magazine, fundamentally transforming the landscape of outdoor journalism, elevating the voices of wilderness advocates, and introducing millions of Americans to the profound joy and stewardship of the backcountry; and

WHEREAS, recognizing the urgent need for a unified, national voice to protect America’s footpaths and the surrounding wilderness, Bill Kemsley co-founded the American Hiking Society in 1976, establishing an enduring vehicle for national trail advocacy, stewardship, and conservation; and

WHEREAS, Bill Kemsley was a fierce and instrumental champion for the Appalachian Trail, utilizing his platform and passion to mobilize public and political support for landmark legislation that secured vital federal funding and land acquisition, ensuring the protection and completion of the iconic trail; and

WHEREAS, his monumental contributions to trail conservation were permanently recognized in 2018 with his well-deserved induction into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Bill lived the very mission he preached, remaining an active, dedicated hiker well into his 90s, exploring local trails, and continuing to share his passion for conservation with his community; and

WHEREAS, the American Hiking Society stands today as the living embodiment of Bill Kemsley’s 1976 vision – testament to his belief that trails are essential infrastructure for the American spirit and must be fiercely protected for generations to come;

WHEREAS, as the American Hiking Society celebrates its landmark 50th anniversary, we reflect on five decades of unbroken stewardship, recognizing that the enduring strength, resilience, and vital mission of this organization are the direct fruits of the seeds planted by Bill Kemsley and his fellow co-founders half a century ago; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the American Hiking Society, convened on this 17th day of June, 2026, hereby expresses its deepest gratitude for the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of co-founder William “Bill” Kemsley; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board extends its profound condolences to his wife, Joy Jensen, and the entire Kemsley family, sharing in their grief while celebrating a magnificent life extraordinarily well-lived; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors officially dedicates the American Hiking Society's ongoing trail advocacy, stewardship initiatives, and federal policy goals for the remainder of this year to the memory of Bill Kemsley, carrying forward his original "Founder's Spark" with renewed vigor and dedication; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be entered into the permanent historical archives of the American Hiking Society, and that a beautifully prepared copy be presented to his family as a symbol of the organization’s eternal appreciation.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of June, 2026, by the Board of Directors of the American Hiking Society.