Eight Values Principles
to Propel the Conversation
INVEST IN AUTHENTIC, DIVERSE AND WALKABLE COMMUNITIES WHERE OUTDOOR-MINDED PEOPLE CAN THRIVE.
01
We have numerous historic downtowns, laid out on a human scale, but they lack adequate utility and communications infrastructure, quality housing, in-town recreation access, and reimagined institutions. These are prerequisites to attracting and retaining new young entrepreneurial and civic-minded residents.
NEW ACTIVITIES MEAN DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES CAN BECOME OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATIONS.
02
Gravel grinding, agro-tourism, mountain biking, and thru-hiking or paddling journeys can increase the benefits of community-based recreation. Equitably investing in the recreation assets in targeted, but diverse communities reduces overuse and expands vitality.
ENCOURAGE ACTIVITIES THAT CREATE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG VISITORS AND RESIDENTS.
03
Today’s visitors increasingly want to mix with, meet with, and recreate with locals. Insider knowledge and connections enhance the experience. And at the end of the day, visitors want to feel welcomed and embraced at unique local gathering places and lodging.
MAKE IT WHERE WE USE IT - DESIGN, TEST AND MANUFACTURE RECREATION EQUIPMENT IN THE REGION.
04
Developing recreation industries can provide jobs, teach skills, attract engineers and designers to our communities, and mitigate the seasonal nature of tourist-oriented economies. Through our local manufacturing tradition, regional startups are exploring biodegradable hunting and fishing products, solar-energized camping gear and 4-season mountain bikes built for our rugged terrain.
RECREATIONAL CONNECTIVITY RULES
05
Investment in high quality trail systems for human-powered and off-road transport, within and between communities, is a potent catalyst for new recreation-based economies. Effective and standardized signage, and attention to connectivity at multiple scales between destinations are essential.
HARNESS NEW FORMS OF PUBLIC, PHILANTHROPIC, AND PRIVATE INVESTMENT TO CATAYLZE INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES
06
Innovative and integrated community-based recreation development is well positioned to attract local, regional and national investors in search of the multiple community, economic and ecological benefits outlined in these principles. Emphasize the ways in which economic activity directly supports public goals of improved health and environment.
COMMUNITY-OWNED STRATEGIES HOLD THE GREATEST PROMISE FOR SUCCESS
07
Global forces have transformed the regional economy over the past generation. But local private enterprise, aligned with public investment, informed by regional trends, and connected to a constellation of recreation assets will best position places for long-term gains.
CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP OF OUR LANDS IS THE BEDROCK VALUE THAT SUPPORTS THESE INITIATIVES
08
Community-based recreation cannot succeed without a broad consensus on land stewardship. Leave No Trace™ messaging about outdoor skills and ethics to preserve public and private lands is essential to maintain a quality experience for residents and to attract individuals with shared values.
