The Economics of Rivers(with an emphasis on the Verde)

Doug Von Gausig, Verde River Institute, May 16, 2014

Where is the “Middle Verde?”

VREDS, 2011:• Economic

Connection to the Verde = close to zero

• No Access

• No Interest

2011:• Real Estate on the River – 20-30% increase• Recreation limited to fishing, some birding, occasional stray kayaker• Some agriculture in Camp Verde area

Grand Valley, ColoradoPalisade, Grand Junction, Fruita

“String of Pearls”

Verde Valley String of Pearls

• Town of Clarkdale• USFS

• AZ State Parks• City of Cottonwood • Yavapai County

• Town of Camp Verde• Coordinated and Synergistic

Parks• Economic Development-oriented

Verde FrontString of Pearls Key Concept

Each individual jurisdiction/land management agency retains management authority for their respective “pearls”; but

all work collaboratively to ensure comprehensive Verde River/Greenway planning, implementation and shared

regional benefits.

Key Components

This is a regional effort, connecting local areas in a regional, synergistic system.

This is a collaborative effort, focusing on shared responsibility, shared resources and involvement of a wide variety of stakeholders.

A healthy and vibrant river is

the foundation for sustainable

recreation, eco-tourism and

local economic development.

Key Components

The String of Pearls will gain recognition beyond the region as a unique destination, and be seen as a model for other areas.

The String of Pearls effort hopes to balance

a variety of uses with preservation/restoratio

n efforts.

National Geographic Geo-tourism

Engage over 500 attractions and businesses within the Valley

Reach over 3 million people through media and marketing

Increase visitor spending by 8-10% p.a.

Increase the Economic Impact of Tourism by

$50-$60 ml p.a.

Increase local government

revenues by $1.4 million p.a.

Initial VV Geotourism Program Goals

The Verde ValleyGeotourism Program

Geotourism – “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place – its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.”

Geotourism PrinciplesIntegrity of Place: Enhance geographical character by developing and improving it in ways distinctive to the locale, reflective of its natural and cultural heritage.

Targeted Marketing: Encourage growth in tourism market segments most likely to appreciate, respect, and disseminate information about the distinctive assets of the destination.

Community Involvement: Help civic organizations, government and businesses develop approaches to tourism that build on the area’s nature, history and culture, cuisine, art, etc.

Geotourism PrinciplesCelebrate, protect and enhance destination assets: Encourage residents and businesses to sustain natural habitats, heritage sites, aesthetic appeal, and local culture.

Land use: Anticipate development pressures and define strategies to mitigate them.

Planning: Recognize and respect immediate economic needs without sacrificing the long-term character and potential of the destination.

Measure results: Establish an evaluation process and publicize results.

Verde River @ Clarkdale

TapcoRAP, TuziRAP

Goals: Tie the Health of the Verde River to the Health of the Economy!

Bring Sustainable Recreation Opportunities to the Local Economy Foster a Culture of Sustainability and Healthy Environment

• Sustainable Recreation the brings $ to the area• “Eco-tourism”

• Sustainable Agriculture• Educational Opportunities

• Quality of Life Enhancements

The Lessons:Collaborative, cross-jurisdictional cooperation is

Paramount!Everyone must be on the same page, seeking the

same goalsBaseline and follow-up Metrics are ImportantAll the Players Need to be There

Cities and TownsCountyAgenciesNGOsBusinessesSchools

Questions?

Doug Von GausigExecutive Director

Verde River Institutedoug@verderiverinstitute.orgwww.verderiverinstitute.org