As a newcomer to Southwest Virginia, it has really been a
struggle to become acquainted with the surreal life of this part of the
country. The nights are quieter, the days seem shorter, and things to do in the
towns and cities leave much to be desired. But, with every great change come
some positive and some negative. And the beauty of the countryside is something
which can never be attained in a major city. In an attempt to take advantage of
the wonderful backdrop the countryside provides the Clinch River Valley
Initiative for some time now has been attempting to get together funding for
studies on the cost and economic benefits of creating a state park along the clinch
river. The group has been studying the area along a stretch of the river
running from the Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve in Russell County to Speers
Ferry in Scott County.
The hope of the study is to eventually be looking at the
kind of economic impact brought to the region by Hungry Mother State Park,
which according to reports has an $8 million impact annually. I don’t know
about the others who are not originally from this region but the parks and
outdoor recreation of this area is probably one of the things I have been able
to enjoy the most out here. As an area where early settlers of this nation once
frequented the shores of the clinch river and the areas around it are in dire
need of stong economic impact and because of this renewed interest the river may
see a rejuvenated influx of visitors.
The park once completely developed will have a visitor’s
center, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing opportunities and, of
course, places to launch canoes and kayaks. The early plans project the park as
taking advantage of the historic banks of the river though the re-use of old buildings
for river recreation while officials have pointed out that outfitters could
help to drive community revitalization, as services and lodging establishments
are developed to serve park visitors.
I think this is a great idea and personally I CAN NOT WAIT
FOR THE PARK TO OPEN!
The entire story as reported in April of this year can be
found here.
-Justin
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