Natural and Cultural Environment

Vision 2020: The New River Valley is an attractive and desirable place to live, work, and visit.

Goal: To develop eco-tourism opportunities in the New River Valley

Strategy: Design and market a series of travel packages for different recreational

consumers.

Strategy: Institute measures to protect critical areas from inappropriate

development.

Goal: To expand recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

Strategy: Develop nature-based recreational opportunities.

Strategy: Identify and publicize appropriate recreational opportunities around the

region.

Goal: To manage the impacts of future development in order to preserve the character and

quality of the regional environment.

Strategy: Adopt and practice sound land use planning and utility development to

preserve the region's rural character.

Strategy: Encourage the development of recreational amenities in conjunction

with all development throughout the region.

Strategy: Adopt open space planning techniques in each jurisdiction to ensure that

critical or high risk areas are protected from inappropriate development.

Goal: To encourage regional recycling as a way to reduce demand for new or expanded solid

waste facilities.

Strategy: Continue public awareness of benefits and needs for recycling.

Strategy: Develop convenient means to recycle throughout the New River Valley.

Goal: To increase the awareness of educational and cultural programs/events in the region.

Strategy: Promote the enhancement of educational and cultural amenities.

Strategy: Cooperatively market regional events.

Goal: To develop activities and attractions that would better utilize the tourism potential of

the New River Valley.

Strategy: Identify, develop, and package the region's inventory of historical,

cultural, natural features, and events and market to outside travel

markets.

Strategy: Examine opportunities to attract travelers from the Blue Ridge Parkway.