CLINCHRIVERVALLEYINITIATIVE

Clinch River Valley Initiative

By 2020, the Clinch River Valley will be a global destination based on its unique biodiversity, natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor opportunities.

This collaboration will bring measurable economic, environmental, and social benefits to the region’s communities while protecting the Clinch’s globally rare species.

• Clinch River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America• The Nature Conservancy (TNC) - designated biological hot spot• Significant collaboration in region and interest in project• First time many have worked together • Led by regional steering team facilitated by UVA’s Institute for

Environmental Negotiation (IEN)

CRVI Overview

GOAL 1Develop a Clinch River State Park

GOAL 2Develop and integrate access points, trails, and campgrounds

GOAL 3Enhance water quality

GOAL 4Develop and enhance environmental education opportunities for all community members in the Clinch River watershed

GOAL 5Connect downtown revitalization and outdoor recreation efforts along the Clinch River, and expand entrepreneurship and marketing opportunities

Photo: Pete Guzman

CLINCH RIVER VALLEY INITIATIVE

`Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan NetworkBlack Diamond Resource Conservation and Development CouncilClinch CoalitionClinch Ranger District of National Forest ServiceClinch Valley OutfittersCommunity Design Assistance Center – VA Tech Counties of Wise, Russell, Tazewell and ScottCumberland Plateau PDC VA Health DistrictCumberland Plateau Planning District CommissionDominion PowerDungannon Development Commission (DDC)ElderSpiritFerrum CollegeHealthy Appalachia Institute -- UVa-WiseHeart of Appalachia Tourism AuthorityKeep Southwest Virginia BeautifulLENOWISCO Planning District CommissionMountain Motor Sports, Inc.Policy Consensus Initiative Project Estonoa/ Vencil Learning Center in St. Paul Rikemo LodgeRiver Place on the ClinchRussell CountyRussell County Chamber of Commerce Scott CountySouthern Appalachian Mountain StewardsSouthwest Regional Recreational AuthoritySouthwest Virginia Community College

Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage FoundationSouthwest Virginia Environmental Education TeamSpearhead TrailblazersSt. Paul IDA St. Paul Tomorrow St. Paul Tourism The Nature ConservancyTazewell CountyTowns of Cleveland, Dungannon, St. Paul (and other communities)Upper Tennessee River RoundtableUS Fish and Wildlife ServiceUS Forest ServiceUVA Institute for Environmental NegotiationUVa- WiseVA Dept. of Business AssistanceVA Dept. of Conservation and RecreationVA Dept. of ForestryVA Dept. of Game and Inland FisheriesVA Dept. of Health VA Dept. of Housing and Community DevelopmentVA Mainstreet ProgramVA State ParksVirginia Tech Community Design Assistance CenterVirginia Tourism CorporationWise CountyCitizens and interested community members

www.clinchriverva.com

CRVI PARTCIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

Photos by Shannon Blevins