Our Virginia Outdoors

Outdoor recreation is a $1.2 TRILLION dollar economy across the country! The newest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis also highlighted the economic impact of outdoor recreation in Virginia. The 2023 report indicates that outdoor recreation in Virginia generated $13.4 billion in value added, accounting for 1.9% of the state’s GDP. This thriving sector also supports 122,405 jobs, underscoring its crucial role in Virginia’s economic landscape. “Virginia’s growth in outdoor recreation is a tremendous boost to communities across the Commonwealth,” said?Senator Mark Peake, Co-Chair of the Virginia Outdoor Recreation Caucus. “This sector not only enhances our local economies and creates jobs, but it also enriches our quality of life by connecting people with the natural beauty our state offers. Outdoor recreation is a vital investment in both the economic and physical health of our communities, making Virginia an even better place to live, work, and play.” “The growth in outdoor recreation in Virginia speaks to the impact this industry brings to our communities.” said?Pete Eshelman, Director of Outdoor Branding for Roanoke Regional Partnership. “In Roanoke, our vibrant outdoor industry is a cornerstone of our holistic economic development and talent attraction strategy. By leveraging our unparalleled natural resources and investing in outdoor infrastructure, we create job opportunities, attract forward-thinking businesses, and draw a dynamic workforce that values quality of life. This synergy positions Roanoke as a place where innovation, adventure, and community thrive, connecting with those who seek a place where work and outdoor recreation coexist seamlessly.” See our full press release here: https://lnkd.in/gTr_HJ2t See the BEA data here: https://lnkd.in/gcUXm3Ct

Across the country, voters approved $27.4 billion to support better biking and trail access in 2024. Nearly 60% of the approved funding, totaling $16 billion, will go towards projects largely focused on the construction and improvement of safe places to ride including protected bike lanes, bike network expansions, street safety upgrades, and traffic calming improvements. See the full breakdown on PeopleForBikes: https://lnkd.in/eg_QfPpi In Virginia, The Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement highlights the role of trails in promoting economic development while conserving green spaces. Rural resort communities exemplify how trails and green spaces are the main attractions that differentiate these areas from urban environments. The availability of trails and outdoor activities not only improves livability but also positions Virginia as a competitive destination for both visitors and residents, driving economic growth and community well-being. Want to learn more about increasing access to biking and trails? Read the following Virginia Conservation Network's Our Common Agenda Papers: ?? Increasing Access to Biking: https://lnkd.in/eJYpeX7k ?? Trails for Sustainable Growth: https://lnkd.in/ekiep5c5

Interested in learning more about outdoor recreation, land conservation, and public lands? Members of the Our Virginia Outdoors coalition recently contributed to Virginia Conservation Network’s Our 2025 Common Agenda including The Nature Conservancy, FOLAR - Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, East Coast Greenway Alliance, James River Association, Valley Conservation Council, Piedmont Environmental Council, The Conservation Fund, Potomac Conservancy, and Chesapeake Conservancy. Learn more about why these issues matter, the current landscape of the issue, and the opportunities to address them at the state level: https://lnkd.in/ecXN8KsT ? Building a Strong Outdoor Recreation Economy: https://lnkd.in/ebkKcVmm ?? Land Conservation Benefitting All Virginians: https://lnkd.in/ekCE3sXB ? Investing in Accessible Public Lands for All: https://lnkd.in/eJtR8PTD

GET OUTDOORS FUND SPOTLIGHT - Established in 2020, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation’s Get Outdoors Fund provides grants for projects that increase access to safe open space in Virginia’s communities, especially those that are underserved. VOF recently awarded $25,000 to Freedom High School to help build a dedicated outdoor learning space. While Freedom has outdoor gardens and walking trails, it currently lacks an outdoor learning space. The goal is to connect the walking trails with a learning space to help provide outdoor learning opportunities and thus, hopefully reduce chronic absenteeism and boost student engagement. “Many of our students face barriers such as poverty, food insecurities, violence, homelessness, limited access to the outdoors, and poor health. Providing students with a dedicated outdoor learning space, where students can explore and make connections with living systems, will help break down those barriers as well as increase attendance, decrease behavior issues, support physical and mental health, and build a sense of community,” said Dr. Jessica Doiron, coordinator of specialty programs and advanced academics at Freedom High. See the full news release: https://lnkd.in/epCJRPdN

Governor Glenn Youngkin has recommended $1.3 million in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to support the Hurricane Helene Outdoor Recreation Recovery Planning Project in Virginia’s Appalachian region. This proactive initiative aims to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene to vital outdoor recreation assets, develop detailed cost estimates, and create a strategic plan for rebuilding critical infrastructure.? “Our outdoor recreation areas are the heart of Virginia’s Appalachian region, driving tourism, supporting local businesses, and offering residents a place to connect with nature,”?said Governor Glenn Youngkin.?“This funding request to the Appalachian Regional Commission is a crucial step in rebuilding and strengthening these assets after Hurricane Helene, helping our communities recover swiftly and continue to thrive.” The impacts of Hurricane Helene on Southwest Virginia's outdoor recreation assets include damage to the Virginia Creeper Trail, the New River Trail, Claytor Lake, storm-related debris buildup, bank erosion, and damage to boat ramps along the Clinch and New Rivers. Many recreational areas are also dealing with downed trees, washed-out trails, and hazardous conditions, creating significant challenges for restoration efforts and safe public access.?Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/ex9VHpBC

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that more than $3.9 million in grant funds will be allocated to protect 621 acres of battlefield lands associated with the American Civil War throughout the Commonwealth. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources will administer the grant funds, which were awarded through the Virginia Battlefield Preservation Fund program (VBPF).?Three nonprofit organizations will be awarded the VBPF grants this year: the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, the American Battlefield Trust, and the Capital Region Land Conservancy. “Virginia has played a pivotal role in the history of our nation and it is incumbent upon us to ensure that we preserve that history,”?said?Governor Glenn Youngkin.?“By investing in these historic lands and making them accessible to the public, we are making sure the opportunity to experience Virginia’s rich history is available for generations to come.” “Virginia is committed to historic preservation and land conservation, and this is made evident by our investments in historic battlefield preservation,”?said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles.?“These significant investments provide opportunities for visitors to learn about and connect with Virginia’s rich history. Students, tourists, and families can come here and learn about the history of our nation and the role that Virginia has played.” See the full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eq9s38ii ?? : Yorktown, Virginia

Farmville is embracing outdoor recreation and tourism. The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond recently hosted a community conversation in Farmville, addressing key economic challenges and opportunities. The event brought together local leaders, business owners, and residents to discuss collaborative strategies for fostering economic growth and resilience in the region. The town and surrounding counties work together to put its strongest assets to use, encouraging a diversified economy, growth and a better quality of life for their residents. As one official put it, “We hope to encourage tourists and residents to come for the trail and stay for the shopping.” See the full article: https://lnkd.in/eSUP4U26

In a period of three days, Southern and Central Appalachia experienced unprecedented rainfall from a combination of a historic rain event and Hurricane Helene. Catastrophic flooding, landslides and extreme wind gusts have ravaged the region. Entire towns are isolated as access to roads has been shut off by flooding and landslides while cellular service has been degraded, shut off or overwhelmed. Reports indicate that some areas received up to 30 inches of rain. As information continues to trickle in on the havoc caused by this disastrous event, Appalachian Voices are sharing efforts to get relief to impacted areas: https://lnkd.in/e87iUSue

???? Happy National Public Lands Day and National Hunting and Fishing Day, Virginia! ????? Today serves as a reminder of the invaluable natural resources that enrich our lives in countless ways. Whether it’s a small neighborhood park or a sprawling national forest, public lands provide economic, health and environmental benefits beyond compare. We also take this opportunity to recognize the generations of sportsmen and women who have contributed to the conservation of our state’s rich sporting heritage and natural resources. Their dedication ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the great outdoors. In honor of this important day, Governor Glenn Youngkin has officially proclaimed today as Hunting and Fishing Day in Virginia! This recognition highlights the vital role that hunters and anglers play in stewardship and conservation efforts across our great state. See the full proclamation here: https://lnkd.in/e8GgN7BF

The 2022 Virginia Outdoors Survey revealed that an overwhelming 9 in 10 Virginians believe public funds should be allocated to acquire land and prevent the loss of natural areas. On this National Public Lands Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural wonders of our Commonwealth. Let us take bold steps to protect the lands we love. After all, our public lands are more than just spaces; they are the heart of Virginia. See the recent op-ed on "Investing in Virginia's Public Lands" by our Coordinator, Maribel Casta?eda, MPA on Cardinal News: https://lnkd.in/eKPASWAt