Outdoor Recreation Plan announced for Alleghany Highlands

Covington, VA (VR) —The RVARC and the Alleghany Highland Chamber of Commerce announce the launch of a new Outdoor Recreation Plan effort. This initiative is a partnership between the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Alleghany County, the City of Covington, and the Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate. The plan will serve as a guide for growing outdoor recreation in the area and strengthening the impact of this sector on the local economy.

“The Alleghany Highlands are full of natural assets and untapped opportunities that could make the area a premier outdoor recreation destination,” said Regional Commission Planner Robin Bruns. “Alleghany County is neighbored by three resorts, where tourism makes a major contribution to tax revenues and employment. The plan can help reshape the identities of Clifton Forge and Covington into mountain towns and develop a recreation community where the outdoors is accessible for anyone.”

A steering committee with stakeholders from Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Virginia Tourism, Alleghany Outdoors and local government staff are working to ensure the plan will consider existing assets, events, services, and visitor spending. Gaps and opportunities will be assessed in order to develop a list of recommended projects that can be funded for implementation.

“We are excited to pull the outdoor recreation stakeholders together to create a regional plan and look forward to working with the Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Planning Commission.” Teresa Hammond of Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism remarked. “This plan will help us develop key objectives around outdoor recreational assets in the community both to enhance the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands as well as to draw additional visitors to the region.”

A survey is available to gather input from residents, visitors, and event participants. Participating in the survey will help the steering committee better understand what types of activities and facilities are utilized in the region. The survey is available at- http://librarydocs.org/survey/ and responses will be collected until this Fall.