American Friends of Lebanon Mountain Trail (AFLMT)

The American Friends of the Lebanon Mountain Trail (AFLMT) was incorporated in Washington, DC, on January 27th, 2009, as a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code.  The Mission of the AFLMT is "to promote educational programs, environmental protection, natural and cultural heritage conservation and rural economic development related to and around the Lebanon Mountain Trail.”  The AFLMT works to strengthen ties between Lebanon, in particular the nearly 80 communities along the LMT, and Lebanese Americans and American hikers and friends of Lebanon, and encourage them to visit Lebanon, walk on the LMT, and discover or re-discover the unique natural and cultural heritage of the mountains of Lebanon. Membership in, and support for, the AFLMT offer a unique opportunity for all to share the gift of the Lebanon Mountain Trail and to help unleash the unlimited opportunities made possible by it. 

The primary activities of the AFLMT are to promote awareness of the LMT and to provide financial and technical support for the protection, maintenance and promotion of the trail.  The AFLMT will provide funds, in the discretion of its Board of Directors, to non-profits in Lebanon, including the LMT Association to help it implement programs and events that will further the purposes of the AFLMT.

The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) is Lebanon's premiere national long-distance hiking trail.  It expands from Andqet in the north of Lebanon to Marjaayoun in the south, a 470-km (293 miles) path that transects more than 75 towns and villages at altitudes ranging from 600 meters to 2,000 meters (about 1,800-6,000 feet) above sea level.  The LMT showcases the natural beauty and cultural wealth of Lebanon's mountains and demonstrates the determination of the people of Lebanon to conserve this unique heritage. The trail brings communities closer together and expands economic opportunities in rural areas through environmentally- and socially-responsible tourism.

The objectives of the LMT Association are to:

• Develop, maintain and protect the Lebanon Mountain Trail including side trails
• Enhance economic opportunities by promoting responsible tourism and other forms of sustainable development
• Protect the natural, cultural and architectural heritage and landmarks on & near the trail
• Promote the LMT nationally & internationally as a destination for rural tourism and wellness
• Mobilize support for environmental protection through public education, outreach, and advocacy  

All contributions made to the AFLMT are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  The tax deduction is limited to the excess of the contribution over the fair market value of any items received in exchange for the donation.  If no goods or services of any value were provided to you in exchange for your donation, your donations is tax-deductible in full.