Saving RDU Forest. A long-term vision to preserve, expand and enhance a unique community asset

Transcription

1 Saving RDU Forest A long-term vision to preserve, expand and enhance a unique community asset

2 RDU Forest Centrally located 6.1 mi border with Umstead State Park Lake Crabtree: most popular Wake County park Many visitors & activities Lake Crabtree County Park Existing quarry RDU Forest

3 RDU Forest = critical greenway hub National E Coast Greenway link Mountains to Sea; Carolina Connection

4 RDU Airport Snapshot Successful 10-year expansion 400 daily arrivals and departures 5.5 million trips in 2016 (+10%) Growing demands on operations

5 Vision 2040 Snapshot 2015 Vision 2040: new 25-year master plan $500+ million expansion / upgrade of aviation operations New runway, repairs; new parking lots / decks Consolidated rental car facility; new road system General aviation / cargo improvements New AA offices Land Use Plan

6 Draft RDU Vision 2040 Land Use Plan Office Park/Hotel on Lake Crabtree Park Remote Parking Quarry

7 RDUA Land Available for Sale or Lease Parcel 1 possible lease to quarry; NC Conservation Fund $6.46 M offer Wake County proposed lease of 2 & 3 for trail system At risk: loss of a community asset and long-term revenue generation Lake Crabtree County Park quarry

8 RDU Airport will develop existing forest, which is on public land.

9 RDU Forest Trail Center and Village An alternative, long-term vision for cohesive recreational development Preserve Expand Enhance

10 RDU Forest Village - Intl Mountain Biking Assoc national recreation destination - Eco-friendly hotel, conference center, restaurant, shops - High-quality, naturebased experience - Unique community asset; sustainable, long-term revenue

11 RDU Forest Village Potential New Activities Corporate retreats, ropes, climbing, zip line, advanced cycling

12 Example: Snowmass Resort, CO. Year-round recreation 75 miles mountain and hiking trails, multiple experience levels Abundance of educational and cultural attractions Thriving village with restaurants, lodging/shops Conference center Airport not conveniently located

13 Example: Baltimore/Washington Intl Airport BWI Hiker-Biker Trail: 12.5 miles of paved surfaces and wooden boardwalks circling airport through green spaces and forest. Connects hikers, bicyclists, walkers and joggers to airport, community resources, public transportation, other area recreation facilities. Health Magazine named BWI second-healthiest US airport in 2008 Limited trails, limited difficulties Too small for IMBA Certification

14 RDU Forest Village adds to economic development AND quality of life in the Triangle. Government Business Citizens Unlocks additional real estate values + tax revenues Hub strengthens existing + planned greenway system Adds benefits to attract skilled workers & corporate HQs Adds to best places ranking Quality of Life investment in next 1m citizens Helps attract & retain skilled workers Unique location option Unique team building & event options Quality of Life investment increases employee satisfaction & productivity Supports local businesses Creates national recreation destination Saves the best & only centrally located MTB area Saves most visited Wake County Park Greenway hub Expanded and new outdoor and entertainment activity options

15 Environmental advantages of saving RDU Forest Preserves recreational areas Lessens flooding (Crabree Creek) Protects water quality by protecting an environmentally sensitive watershed area to Crabtree Creek Supports clean air and water Moderates temperature fluctuations Protects rare ecosystems, native plants 286 area is a blue heron protected nesting area Eagles at Lake Crabtree Promotes health though exercise, clean air

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18 What you can do to help: Fight a new quarry Join our mailing list at RDUForest.com and commit yourself to future action! Sign the petition Partners: Spread the word to your audience. Publicly support saving RDU Forest. Identify new partners Contact city and county government officials Other ideas?