Lexington, VA--The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) today released a report on the important economic relationship between Shenandoah National Park and surrounding park communities. The report, Making Connections – Building a Healthy Future for Shenandoah National Park and its Gateway Communities, is based on economic data and interviews with community leaders, business owners, tourism officials, economic development professionals, and others with expertise in the current relationships and future opportunities.
“The next few years will provide a unique opportunity to enhance the relationships among local communities and Shenandoah National Park,” said Catharine Gilliam, NPCA’s Virginia senior program manager. “We hope this report will be helpful in fostering greater cooperation and partnership between the park and its neighboring communities.”
Among key findings, the report highlights area attractions for residents and visitors, including historic towns, scenic by-ways, and the rural character. The report also indicates the park’s abundant wildlife, watershed protection, and scenic beauty all contribute to the overall health of local economies.
Greene County Director of Economic Development Tony Williams says, “Proximity to Shenandoah National Park is one of Greene County’s greatest selling points, as businesses stress quality of life as much as the cost of doing business.
Luray Caverns Marketing Director John Shaffer adds, “As recreational opportunities and scenic landscapes become more scarce in the East, the park will become an even more important treasure.”
Report key findings include:
Shenandoah National Park provides benefits for surrounding communities:
• Wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing bring economic activity
• Outdoor recreation is a draw for residents and visitors
• Generates economic value for neighboring communities and businesses
• Travelers’ contributions to local economies are growing
Much of Shenandoah National Park’s appeal comes from the surrounding communities and landscape:
• Inappropriate development could threaten Shenandoah’s views
• Park wildlife need habitat inside and outside the park
• Protecting the landscape protects the region’s future
• Local character and culture support quality of life and attracts visitors to the region and park
Attractive places and quality of life are at a premium in today’s economy:
• New residents and small businesses contribute to growth and vitality in local economies
• The Shenandoah region is attracting new residents faster than the rest of the state
• Economic changes have placed a premium on community attractiveness—including natural beauty, high-quality public lands, outdoor recreation, and small, friendly communities
The report concludes with recommendations, including:
• Create more collaborative relationships between the park and local communities, and among communities.
• Maintain and enhance the character of the park and surrounding communities and landscapes.
• Work together toward common goals.
NPCA plans to hold community meetings in several of the localities around Shenandoah National Park to foster dialogue with those residents, businesses, civic organizations and local governments on the findings and recommendations of the Making Connections report. Anyone interested in participating in a community discussion on the report is invited to contact the Virginia office of NPCA. Copies of the report are available online at www.npca.org/connections or by requesting a printed copy at (540)463-3800 or Virginia@npca.org.
Making Connections – Building a Healthy Future for Shenandoah National Park and its Gateway Communities was researched and written by Harbinger Consulting, which has prepared similar reports on communities around Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
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NPCA is a private nonprofit membership organization founded in 1919, and is the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System. NPCA, its members and partners work together to protect the park system and preserve our nation’s natural, historical and cultural heritage for generations to come. NPCA has 325,000 members nationally, including more than 11,000 Virginia members. The Virginia office of NPCA is located in Lexington.
