[Workshop 1] Theme : Communication with local community. Case-study Presentation-2 by Laura Belleville, Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Transcription

1 [Workshop 1] Theme : Communication with local community Case-study Presentation-2 by Laura Belleville, Appalachian Trail Conservancy

2 2012 World Trail Conference Laura Belleville Director of Conservation

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4 The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a private, non-profit organization, designated by the National Park Service to manage and maintain the Trail. We work with 31 Trail-maintaining clubs, the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, and state agencies. There are over 6,000 volunteers who annually contribute over 200,000 hours in managing the A.T.

5 Engaging Youth and Communities Trail to Every Classroom Appalachian Trail Communities

6 Trail to Every Classroom How do we build a diverse constituency of future outdoor enthusiasts, and preserve our volunteer tradition? 174 School Districts & Millions of Kids

7 Research Shows: Volunteering is a learned social behavior. Adults who began volunteering as youths are twice as likely to give time as they grow older. Service-learning is a means of teaching volunteerism.

8 Service Learning Service-learning is an educational method that combines elements of experiential education with community service. It involves youths as resources to their schools and communities, as they apply academic skills to community needs and opportunities, with the support of adult partners. National Youth Leadership Council

9 Program Structure Teacher recruitment 50 per year 1st Local Workshop Summer Institute 2nd Local workshop Curriculum Development Grants Follow-up Activities TODAY: 275 teachers trained reaching 25,000 students

10 Appalachian Trail Communities

11 WHY? To begin or enhance dialogue (build common ground, establish ongoing communication, have a voice at the table) To build capacity for land managers and communities to identify and address adjacent land issues through place-based partnership initiatives To increase visibility for the A.T.; increase volunteers; engage new users To support community initiatives for sustainable economic development, planning, etc

12 We know that the Appalachian Trail hikers have a positive economic impact on our town and we want to celebrate that. Linda Schlott from Franklin Appalachian Trail Communities Benefits for Communities:

13 Economic Impact of Long Distance Trails Have the potential to Create jobs, Enhance property values, Expand local businesses, attract new or relocating businesses, Increase local tax revenues, Decrease local government expenditures, Low cost health care (Let s Move!), and promote local communities

14 Economic Impact on the A.T. 2 million recreation visits annually 700,000 tourist visits $ million annual spending $27 million tourist spending locally $36 million local economic spinoffs 626 jobs supported by tourism

15 Appalachian Trail Community Benefits Media Support National Network Logo Usage Signage Increased Recognition and Visibility Teacher Eligibility-Trail to Every Classroom Increased Environmental Stewardship

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17 How? Appalachian Trail Communities

18 Becoming an A.T. Community Form a committee Determine goals and vision for connecting your community to the Appalachian Trail Fill out the application- Meeting at least 2 of the 4 requirements Get letters of support from your community Submit your application to ATC- Fall or Spring Deadline Share information with your community as your go through the process Applications are reviewed/approved at ATC s Regional Partnership meetings in spring and fall PLAN DESIGNATION CEREMONY! Continue relationship with ATC - we provide resources and workshops to allow communities to network and further benefit from the program

19 Outcomes and Successes: Bland County monthly guided AT hikes for local residents, a teacher went through the Trail to Every Classroom Program and starting a hiking club at the high school, the first annual Festival of Trails event celebrating the various recreational opportunities in the county.

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21 Outcomes and Successes: Franklin, NC White blaze in town logo Shelter donation Community Map TTEC teachers Hiking 101 April Fool s Hiking Festival (growth from 200 to 1000)

22 Outcomes and Successes: Pearisburg (Giles County) Trail to Every Classroom teacher in 2011 helped develop postcard contest, committee created a Wanna Hike travelling booth, developing a Guide to Day Hikes in the region, Hike Services Brochure, Inn at Riverbend Lodging Give Back

23 Outcomes and Successes: Hanover, NH: Shower and laundry Hanover Area Friends of the A.T. developed Library Hiker Wall Hiking Trails brochure

24 Laura Belleville Director of Conservation www. Appalachiantrail.org