Cumberland County Ecotourism Plan (1996)

Ecological tourism is defined as nature-based tourism. It involves managing ecologically sustainable resources for recreational purposes, and, as acknowledged in the Cumberland County Economic Development Strategy for Action, is one of the most promising means for increasing tourism in Cumberland County. Tourism is the State's second largest economic sector, generating over $23 billion per year; in Cumberland County, tourism attracts over $160 million dollars per year, a relatively small amount compared to its neighbors in Cape May and Atlantic Counties. Money spent by ecotourists has the ability to reach a wide array of businesses, such as gas stations, boat rental facilities, bait shops, restaurants, hotels, gift shops, and produce stands.

In Cumberland County there are fifteen (15) major State-owned Wildlife Management Areas, encompassing more than 50,000 acres. Non-profit conservation groups own over 10,000 acres of land in the county, and there are 68,000 acres of farmland. The county has abundant natural resources, and the potential for a greatly expanded tourist industry. This Plan thus sets out the goals and objectives by which ecotourism can be promoted in Cumberland County. Three tenets undergird the Plan: 1) to be workable, a plan must provide focus, and certain themes linking together ecotourist sites should therefore be identified; 2) the special places in the County should be promoted; and 3) the effort will succeed only through the involvement of a range of public and private sector actors.

The Plan identifies six themes that build on the county's historic and natural resources, as follows:

Tracing Cumberland County's Maritime Heritage Cumberland County was founded by seafarers, and many of the towns and villages built the sloops and schooners that carried raw materials to markets in Philadelphia, and that plied the waters for seafood. Boat yards, maritime museums, old schooners and villages, lighthouses, boat builders and river tours could be tied together to promote this theme. Many of these resources need better public access and facilities, such as parking areas and restrooms, before they can accommodate visitors. Other resources, such as the Delaware Bay Schooner Project, can be marketed immediately.

Boating Adventures in Cumberland County Recreational boating on the Bay, the Maurice and Cohansey Rivers, as well as the smaller streams and creeks is a favorite activity of Cumberland County residents and visitors. Fortescue, with a state marina, has one of the largest recreational boating communities on the Delaware Bay. In all, there are 34 marinas and power boat facilities in Cumberland County. This activity is already well organized, and can easily be promoted. Because this activity is relatively popular, a principal issue of this theme is safeguarding against overuse of the waterways.

Hunting, Fishing and Crabbing Opportunities There are 15 State owned natural areas in Cumberland County. The Plan outlines areas where infrastructure is needed to advance hunting, fishing and crabbing opportunities. The Bevan, Peaslee, and Heislerville Wildlife Management Areas may be able to accommodate larger numbers of ecotourists with minor improvements; other WMAs will require more substantial improvements. The Maurice and Cohansey Rivers also provide excellent hunting and trapping opportunities.

The Heart of Farming in the Garden State Cumberland County is the dominant agricultural county in the state. The marketing of farm products - through produce stands, "pick your own" operations, or active farm markets in downtown settings that integrate crafts or ethnic foods- can all contribute to a farming theme. Farm vacations, an increasingly popular way to experience farm living, can increase farm income by 10 to 30 percent. The story of salt hay farming could also be told. Although farm products can be actively marketed today, the other aspects of the program will need to be nurtured.

Birding, Biking, and Hiking: Passive Recreation and Ecotourism The migration of shore birds in Cumberland County is unrivaled in the continental United States. Recent studies indicated that economic activity generated by bird watching contributes over $15 million annually to the Cape May County economy. The construction of boardwalks, nature trails and observation platforms can enhance the birding industry in Cumberland; the Natural Lands Trust at "the Glades" in Downe Township and PSE&G with a platform at its Bayside tract in Greenwich have been leaders in this effort. Signage and other accommodations for birders are also needed, as well as guided birding tours. There are few well-developed hiking trails and bike paths; these facilities are greatly needed to promote this theme.

From Silica to Crystal: Tracing the Natural History of Glass Silica sand is one of the major natural resources in Cumberland County. Because of the abundance of sand, glass making operations have chosen to operate here since the eighteenth century, and there are currently over thirty glass manufacturers in the county. Wheaton Village, the premier tourist attraction in the County, is a reconstructed glass manufacturing town that tells the history of glass making. The large sand mining companies in the County could create a museum or heritage facility that would demonstrate the importance of silica sands to the economy; the glass companies could offer tours showing the process of glass making.

The Plan also discusses four sites with significant ecotourism potential:

Cumberland County's Wild & Scenic Rivers - These waterways are spectacular examples of unspoiled rivers; public facilities are needed.

Port Norris and New Jersey's Oyster Industry - Oyster shucking houses and oyster boats can still be found in Port Norris. The Schooner Project plans to restore many of the old shipping sheds along the Maurice River. Shellpile and Bivalve are also important oyster sites.

The Maurice River Natural Resources Center - Officials from Maurice River Township, the County, and the NJ Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife have discussed creating a state-of-the-art natural resource center.

Bridgeton, Millville and Vineland - These urban centers offer services to cater to potential ecotourists.

The Plan also offers 90 ideas for advancing an ecotourism program, with everything from a targeted loan program for ecotourist businesses to walking tours of glass architecture.

Finally, the Plan establishes long-term priorities. These include a business development program to help businesses position themselves as ecotourist enterprises, and a comprehensive ecotourist marketing package. Investment in public wastewater treatment would improve the ability of small villages like Port Norris and Fortescue to host tourist services. Public restrooms, visitor centers, information kiosks, signage and additional infrastructure are needed to accommodate visitors in many of the Wildlife Management Areas. Resource protection efforts are also critical; the County should support the acquisition of private lands when payment-in-lieu of taxes can be made, or ecotourism trade-offs negotiated.

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