“This all has far exceeded our expectations” Rockingham, NC mayor Steve Morris told American Rivers’ President Bob Irvin and me as he drove us on an early May day to the Roberdel Access. We were going to kayak down the Hitchcock Creek Blue Trail to celebrate its official opening.
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The Outdoor Industry Association recently released a groundbreaking report, “The Outdoor Recreation Economy: Take it Outside for American Jobs and a Strong Economy,” detailing the economic impact of outdoor recreation in the U.S.
Citizens of South Carolina received some good news earlier this fall. The Congaree National Park, the highlight of the Congaree River Blue Trail, is getting bigger.
Clarkdale, Arizona, and many other local partners are working with American Rivers to improve recreation and preserve the Verde River through the creation of a Blue Trail. As part of this project, Clarkdale is creating the first river park along the Verde called, “Verde River @ Clarkdale.” This park will provide access to the river, kayaking facilities, educational opportunities and economic development plans based on a flowing, vital river. Read more…
Eagle County in Colorado has moved one step closer to adding well over a mile on the Eagle River to open space and public access. Last week the County signed a contract for purchase with the owners of the old Horn Ranch in the heart of Red Canyon. The Horn Ranch, one of the most scenic reaches along the Eagle River and I-70, lies in the middle of the Eagle Valley, between Vail and the towns of Eagle and Gypsum. Read more…
It’s a really exciting time for our work along the Waccamaw! In recent months we’ve partnered with a local chamber of commerce to promote ecotourism and build support for conservation along the Waccamaw River Blue Trail, South Carolina’s only National Water Trail. One of the projects we’re working on with the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce is through an advertisement in Guest Quest that showcases the Blue Trail as one of the area’s premier tourist attractions. Read more…
The headwaters of the Verde River emerge 100 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona and begin an incredible journey to the east and south through wilderness, basalt canyons, and pristine riparian forest, gathering flow along its 200-mile long path to meet the Salt River. Read more…
Last week I blogged about the connection between the economy, recreation and open space here in the western United States. Protecting open space is beneficial for both residents and tourists alike, and in turn is good for local economies.
With the summer months just around the corner and spring peeking out from behind the piles of snow, I’m thinking only of the outdoors. Hiking, rafting, biking, fishing and just enjoying the amazing rivers and landscapes of Colorado. Read more…
It’s a really exciting time for our work along the Waccamaw! In recent months we’ve partnered with a local chamber of commerce to promote ecotourism and build support for conservation along the Waccamaw River Blue Trail, South Carolina’s only National Water Trail. Read more…
