Last time, THE SEND highlighted the colossal $1.1 TRILLION outdoor industry, and you might be wondering how you can get your slice of that pie to help your community reach its full potential. There are many entrepreneurial opportunities all over our state that would contribute to this booming sector of the economy. A few examples include opening a gear shop, starting a guiding service, or even pouring delicious cups of brew at a cafe designed for the outdoor enthusiasts in your area.  

Let's take that a step further, though. What about creating the outdoor infrastructure to support these kinds of businesses? Think about the facilities that are essential for the existence of the outdoor economy: purpose-built trails, pump tracks, put-ins, take-outs and more. Surely those must be part of the outdoor economy, too, right? 

There’s no doubt about it; they are a big part of the equation. Local businesses + infrastructure = opportunity to secure funding that can boost the outdoor economy in your West Virginia community.

These funding triumphs aren’t just the outdoor economy's lifeblood, either. They are also food for thought: What themes can we consider as we work toward new, successful funding requests in West Virginia’s vast economic realm of outdoor recreation, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources? Hint: it's these themes that secured White Sulphur Springs a brand new $2.6 million bike park, or the $2.8 million trail expansion at Cacapon Resort Start Park. 

In this edition of THE SEND, your source for West Virginia Outdoor Economy updates and insights, we touch on the common threads that lead to well-funded outdoor initiatives. Our six surefire strategies? 

Projects that secure funding often involve collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, local communities, and private businesses. Collaborative efforts can streamline project planning, leverage resources, and enhance community support.

Successful projects typically start with a well-defined and strategic plan that aligns with the goals of the funding programs. This includes conducting thorough needs assessments, identifying priority areas, and developing comprehensive project proposals that address community needs and priorities. 

Projects that actively engage the local community throughout the planning and implementation process tend to be more successful. Community engagement fosters ownership, builds support, and ensures that projects meet the needs and preferences of the people they serve. 

Building partnerships with relevant organizations and agencies can enhance project credibility, access new funding sources, broaden expertise and capacity, and leverage additional resources. Partnerships may involve, but are not limited to: local governments, landowners, trail user groups, environmental organizations, and businesses. 

Emphasizing sustainability in project design and implementation is crucial for long-term success. This includes environmental sustainability in trail design, implementing best practices in trail construction and maintenance, and developing plans for ongoing funding and maintenance. 

When projects align with existing initiatives and regional plans, they enhance credibility, foster collaboration, and leverage resources effectively. This alignment increases funding chances and addresses broader community needs, contributing to overall advancement in outdoor recreation and economic development. 

Think of this newsletter as a sneak peek into what's to come in future editions of THE SEND. We'll delve deeper into these themes in upcoming issues, so stay tuned and watch out for the blueprint to achieving funding success arriving in your inbox.

Speaking of these themes, last month another Advancing Community Trails Workshop concluded with empowering insights for advancing trail projects across West Virginia. Led by WVU staff, trail development experts, and local stakeholders, the two-day event provided a comprehensive journey through every stage of trail development from inception to long-term maintenance. Attendees, including land managers, community officials, and recreation professionals, engaged in a dynamic curriculum tailored to their needs, exploring topics such as the history of trail development, project management essentials, and maximizing investment returns. 

Notably, a field visit to the West Run Woods trail system offered firsthand experiences in trail implementation strategies. The workshop fostered collaborative networking opportunities and culminated in reflection sessions aimed at translating newfound knowledge into actionable plans for local trail projects. As participants return to their communities, they carry with them a collective understanding and renewed enthusiasm to propel West Virginia's trail initiatives forward.