As the summer embraces our scenic trails, flowing rivers, and public lands, it's the perfect moment to appreciate how our outdoor spaces offer endless adventures and drive our local economy forward.

In the last edition of THE SEND, we identified six pivotal strategies for strengthening our outdoor economy: Collaboration, Strategic Planning, Community Engagement, Partnerships, Sustainability, and Regional and Community Alignment. Over the next four newsletters, we will highlight each of these areas in more detail; to kick things off, you get a two-for-one as we shift our gaze to the power of collaboration and partnerships.  

Why are collaboration and partnerships so vital? Imagine having a stellar project idea for your community. Instead of tackling it alone, consider the potential of pooling resources. By harnessing the collective strength of local businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and community members, you can leverage shared resources, secure essential funding, and build a solid foundation for your project’s success. Collaborative efforts not only enhance resource availability but also foster a sense of community, ownership, and pride. Together, we can create sustainable and impactful outdoor initiatives that benefit everyone. 

To illustrate this, let’s focus on a shining example in West Virginia: the trail expansion at Cacapon Resort State Park.

The trail expansion at Cacapon Resort State Park is a testament to what’s possible when passionate individuals and organizations come together. Mark Hoyle is one of the key players in trail development at Cacapon. You've likely seen Mark's friendly face if you've attended any NICA or West Virginia Enduro Series events or trail workdays at the park. Like any big project, he says, “Collaboration is key."

This project, which secured an impressive $2.8 million in funding, transformed the park’s trails, attracting more visitors and bolstering the local trail scene. Here’s how collaboration and partnerships made it happen: 

• Strategic Planning and Coordination: Diverse stakeholders, including state officials, local businesses, non-profits, and community members, collaborated to align their goals, ensuring the project met the park’s needs and enhanced the visitor experience.
• Resource Leveraging: Each partner brought unique resources, from financial support to specialized skills, turning a complex project into a successful reality. This pooling of assets and expertise was crucial in navigating challenges and maximizing impact.
• Community Engagement: The local community was integral to the project’s success. Engaging residents and businesses early on helped build robust support, ensured the project resonated with regional needs, and fostered a sense of ownership and pride.
• Sustainable Development: The collaborative effort focused on sustainability, designing trails that offer recreational opportunities and protect and preserve the park’s natural beauty. This commitment to environmental stewardship showcases the long-term benefits of thoughtful planning and partnership.

The Cacapon Resort State Park project didn't just build new trails—it strengthened community ties, showcased the potential of collaborative efforts, and highlighted the significant role of partnerships in driving economic growth and enhancing quality of life. Without the intentional efforts of people like Mark Hoyle to bring different stakeholders to the table to effect change and positively impact the community, Cacapon wouldn’t have become the mountain biking destination it’s now known to be.

Projects like these are possible because of people like Mark. Check out the video below to learn more about Mark and hear him talk about how, through collaboration and partnership, he and his team have gotten over 40 miles of trail on the ground at Cacapon Resort State Park. 

The Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is thrilled to celebrate the successful launch of its new Trails Training and Education program! This brand-new initiative, developed by the Outdoor Infrastructure team at the OEDC, is designed to help communities and organizations understand the science and art of moving dirt to create sustainable, purpose-built and fun trails to improve the quality of life and economic prosperity of West Virginians and their communities.

The inaugural event was held in Elkins and was tailored for the OEDC's exceptional partners at Mon Forest Towns, Elkins Area Shared Trails (E.A.S.T.), Davis and Elkins College, and more for an immersive and collaborative learning experience. The OEDC's Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Coordinator, Rich Edwards, facilitated this event. Rich is well credentialed with over 20 years of work experience at the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), where he worked in over 33 states and 8 countries to build his understanding of trail building, land management, and soil sciences.

Highlights from the Training:

• Comprehensive Workshops: Participants engaged in hands-on workshops covering trail design, maintenance, and best practices for sustainable development.
• Expert Insights: Industry experts provided valuable knowledge on leveraging trails for economic development and enhancing community engagement.
• Networking Opportunities: Attendees connected with like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration and sharing innovative ideas.
• Field Exercises: Real-world applications of trail-building techniques were demonstrated, offering participants practical experience.

This program marks a significant step in the OEDC's efforts to expand, maintain, and improve trail systems across West Virginia, promoting outdoor recreation and economic growth. This is just the first of many training workshops the OEDC will be hosting across the state, and we warmly invite others to join us in future sessions. Stay tuned for more updates and future training sessions!

Thank you for exploring the power of collaboration and partnerships. As we continue to expand and enrich West Virginia's outdoor economy, we encourage you to join us in this collaborative spirit.

Until next time,

The Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative Team