Cumberland Plateau Outdoor Recreation Economic Analysis and Development Plan
About this Economic Analysis and Development Plan
The Cumberland Plateau Outdoor Recreation Economic Analysis and Development Plan is an strategic initiative to identify strategies to further support and grow the outdoor recreation economy in a way that facilitates increased economic impact and investment in surrounding communities.
Outdoor recreation is a growing and diverse economic sector that has immense capabilities to generate spending, support jobs, spur innovation, and improve health and wellness outcomes. In Virginia, the outdoor recreation economy generated $7.9 billion in economic impact, approximately 1.5% of the state’s GDP. This is great potential to capture and grow that economic impact within the Cumberland Plateau.
The aim of this study is to leverage key recreation assets to attract visitors, while maintaining strong connections between recreation areas and supporting services. The plan also offers avenues to offer a high quality of life to appeal to residents and employers.
Where is the Cumberland Plateau Located?
Cumberland Plateau in southwestern Virginia includes the counties of Russell, Dickenson, Buchanan and Tazewell. The region borders Kentucky on the west and West Virginia on the north. This rugged and beautiful mountainous area contains spectacular scenery and unique natural habitats of national and statewide significance. Inhabitants and visitors to the area enjoy a variety of natural resource-based recreational opportunities along with several parks and forest recreation areas.
Study Key Findings
The study provides an approach with the “Hub and Spoke” model that identifies several key assets that act as primary anchors and attractors for the region with a network of complementary and supporting assets that improve the attractiveness of the overall destination and extend lengths of stay for visitors. During this plan process, the Clinch River, Breaks Interstate Park, Town of Tazewell, and a robust network of motorized and non-motorized trails emerged as these anchors or hubs for the region.
The plan is supported by additional manuals including trail development guidelines, outdoor recreation community guide, and outdoor recreation business guide for the implementation and sustainability on future projects.
Our Guides
OUTDOOR ECONOMY PLAN
The Outdoor Economy Plan was developed for the Cumberland Plateau Planning District in partnership with the Friends of Southwest Virginia. Plateau outdoor recreation economy in a way that facilitates increased economic impact and investment in the surrounding communities.
TRAIL DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
The Cumberland Plateau Trail Development Guidelines provide trail planning, design, and development guidance for motorized and non-motorized trails in Southwest Virginia.
OUTDOOR RECREATION COMMUNITY GUIDE
The Cumberland Plateau Outdoor Recreation Community Guide provides an overview of the best practices and case studies to assist stakeholders (local government representatives, non-profits, and tourism organizations) in supporting recreation, economic development, and quality of life in communities across the region.
OUTDOOR RECREATION BUSINESS GUIDE
The Cumberland Plateau Outdoor Recreation Business Guide is intended to support outdoor recreation business development touching on outdoor recreation entrepreneurship, strategies to modify current business operations to better support recreational tourism activities, and how to attract new outdoor recreation businesses into the community.
Breaks Interstate Park Strategic Plan Update
Download the Cumberland Plateau Outdoor Economy Plan Guidelines
Download the Cumberland Plateau Trail Development Guidelines
Download the Cumberland Plateau Outdoor Recreation Business Guide
Download the Cumberland Plateau Outdoor Recreation Community Guide
Download the Breaks Interstate Park Strategic Plan Update
Project Leadership Team
Jim Baldwin
Cumberland Plateau Planning District
Kimberly Davis
Friends of Southwest Virginia
Jeff Mansour
Thompson Charitable Foundation
Idalina Walker
Friends of Southwest Virginia
Project Steering Committee
Jim Baldwin
Cumberland Plateau Planning District
Rick Barton
OAC
Austin Bradley
Breaks Interstate Park
Michelle Davalos
U.S Forest Service
Matthew Fields
Buchanan County
Jeff Mansour
Thompson Charitable Foundation
Heather Powers
Russell County
Sandy Ratliff
Virginia Community Capital
A.J. Robinson
Tazewell County
Kim Short
Heart of Appalachia
Rita Surratt
Dickenson County
Scotty Wampler
Cumberland Plateau Planning District
Michelle Workman
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Consultant Team
SE Group
SE Group is a planning firm working across the country to help communities strengthen their outdoor recreation offering and economy.
Mark Kane
Director of Community and Recreation Planning
Drew Pollak-Bruce
Senior Recreation Planner
Ellie Wachtel
Associate Analyst
Ayden Eickhoff
Planner and Analyst
Julia Randall
Planner and Analyst
Melanie Mckenzie
Planner and Analyst
CHM Government Consultants
Margaret Bailey
Contact Us
Friends of Southwest Virginia
Special Thanks
© 2022. FRIENDS OF SWVA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY POLICY