Outdoor Recreation Plan the Boone Area

The Boone Area Spring 2011 Outdoor Recreation Plan

Produced by: Watauga County Tourism Development Authority intentionally left blank The Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan

Boone, North Carolina

Prepared For: Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA) Watauga County Board of Commissioners Watauga County Parks and Recreation Commission WCTDA Partner Organizations

Prepared By: Watauga County Eric Woolridge, AICP Watauga County TDA 814 West King Street 815 West King Street Boone, NC 28607 Director of Tourism Planning Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-265-8000 Watauga County Tourism Development Authority Phone: 828-266-1345 intentionally left blank Exhibit 7: Submitted by Beech Mountain ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Exhibit 8: Produced by Noah Nowinski, WCTDA Intern

Watauga County Tourism Development Authority Map Production Board of Directors Ben Sachs, WCTDA Intern, assisted in compilation of geographic data for maps. Maps 1-7 produced by Eric Woolridge Rob Holton, Chairman Dave Robertson, Vice-Chairman Facility Design (chapter three) Lisa Martin Kimberly Marland, AIA, LEED AP Tony Gray Mike Hall Missy Harrill Photography Front cover: Eric Heistand Watauga County Board of Commissioners Major contributors throughout plan: Eric Heistand, Kristian Jackson, and Lynn Willis Nathan Miller, Chairman David Blust, Vice-Chairman Partner Organizations Jim Deal Friends of Mountains-to-Sea Trail Tim Futrelle Boone Area Cyclists, Inc. Vince Gable Cove Creek Preservation and Development, Inc. Watauga River Conservation Partners Watauga County Tourism Development Authority Staff Boone Climbers Coalition Carolina Climbers Coalition Wright Tilley, Executive Director Appalachian Voices Eric Woolridge, Director of Tourism Planning Middle Fork Greenway Association Michelle Ligon, Director of Public Relations & Visitor Services Green Valley Community Park Watauga County Staff Todd Community Preservation Organization Valle Crucis Community Park Rocky Nelson, County Manager National Committee for the New River Deron Geouque, Deputy County Manager Blue Ridge Conservancy Joe Furman, Director of Planning and Inspections & Economic Development Watauga County Parks and Recreation Commission Stephen Poulos, Parks and Recreation Director High Country Audubon Margaret Pierce, Finance Director Mountain Keepers Town of Boone Site Plan Exhibits Town of Beech Mountain Exhibit 1: Produced by Eric Woolridge National Park Service Exhibits 2-5 and 9-12: Produced by Teresa Buckwalter, ALSA United States Forest Service Exhibit 6: Produced by Bob Olberg, ALSA North Carolina State Parks intentionally left blank High Country Disc Golf Club 16 Chapter Four: Implementation 48 TABLE OF CONTENTS Todd Community Preservation Organization 16 Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan Cove Creek Preservation and Development 16 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES 48 Executive Summary 1 Chapter Two: Initiatives 17 STEWARDSHIP AND MANAGEMENT 49 FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN 49 Introduction 3 MULTI-USE GREENWAYS 17 South Fork New River Greenway 17 Background and Purpose 3 * * * Middle Fork New River Greenway 17 Planning Process 3 Valle Crucis Greenway 20 List of Maps Organization of Plan 4 Grandfather Valley Greenway 20 Map 1: Boone Area River Basins - p. 6 Map 2: Major Boone Area Public Lands - p. 9 Cove Creek Greenway 20 Chapter One: Proﬁle 5 Map 3: Trail Master Plan - p. 18 HIKING 23 RIVER BASINS 5 Map 4: Middle Fork Greenway - p. 21 Mountains-to-Sea Trail 23 Map 5: Pisgah National Forest Mountain Biking - p.30 Watauga River Basin 5 Northern Peaks Trail 23 Map 6: Watauga River and New River Paddle Trails - p.33 New River Basin 7 Bear Paw State Natural Area 25 Map 7: Boone Area Climbing - p.43 Catawba River Basin 8 MOUNTAIN BIKING 27 Yadkin River Basin 8 Rocky Knob Park 27 List of Exhibits and Site Plans PUBLIC LANDS AND PARKS 8 Elk Knob State Park 27 Exhibit 1: NC Watauga River Basin - p. 5 Federal Lands 8 Price Park 29 Exhibit 2: Phase 1: South Fork New River Greenway - p. 19 State Lands 12 Exhibit 3: Middle Fork Greenway: Tweetsie, Mystery Hill, Wilson Creek Area 29 Local Lands and Parks 13 Sterling Creek Park Connector - p. 22 Beech Mountain 29 COMMUNITY PARTNERS 15 Exhibit 4: Mountains-to-Sea Access Improvements - p.24 ROAD CYCLING 31 Exhibit 5: Howard Knob Park - p.26 Boone Area Cyclists 15 PADDLE TRAILS 32 Exhibit 6: Rocky Knob Park - p. 28 Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail 15 New River Paddle Trail 32 Exhibit 7: Beech Mountain Adventure Trail Park - p.29 Watauga River Conservation Partners 15 Exhibit 8: Watauga County Road Cycling Map Concept - p.31 Watauga River Paddle Trail 35 Middle Fork Greenway Association 15 Exhibit 9: New River Paddle Trail: Pine Run Access - p. 34 FISHING 41 Carolina and Boone Climbers Coalition 15 Exhibit 10: New River Paddle Trail: Green Valley Park - p. 36 Green Valley Community Park 16 ROCK CLIMBING 42 Exhibit 11: Watauga River Paddle Trail: Valle Crucis Access - p. 38 Valle Crucis Community Park 16 DISC GOLF 45 Exhibit 12: Watauga River Paddle Trail: Upper Gorge Access - p. 39 National Committee for the New River 16 Exhibit 13: Watauga County Trout Streams - p. 41 Blue Ridge Conservancy 16 Chapter Three: Facility Design 46

ii Executive Summary The WCTDA has witnessed an outpouring of citizens and community organizations willing to The Watauga County District U Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA) was created by the partner in efforts to expand Boone Area outdoor recreation opportunities. Accordingly, twelve North Carolina General Assembly to promote travel and tourism to Watauga County, North non-government partnering organizations are working alongside the WCTDA to plan, develop, Carolina. The WCTDA is funded through a six-percent occupancy tax levied on overnight and implement the proposed outdoor recreation initiatives. These organizations include Boone visitors throughout Watauga County. Enabling legislation designates two-thirds of the Area Cyclists, Friends of Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Watauga River Conservation Partners, Middle occupancy tax be used for promotion and marketing of tourism, while up to one-third of the Fork Greenway Association, Carolina and Boone Climbers’ Coalitions, Green Valley Park, Valle revenues, currently $250,000 per year, is available for tourism-related capital investment. Crucis Park, National Committee of the New River, High Country Disc Golf Association, Blue Ridge Conservancy, and Todd Community Preservation Organization. The vision of the WCTDA is to establish the Boone Area as a top-ten outdoor recreation destination in America and the number one such destination in the East. The Boone Area With a thorough understanding of the Boone Area’s natural resources, public lands, and human Outdoor Recreation Plan serves as a roadmap for realizing this vision. By utilizing the captial capital, we establish a broad foundation for developing specific outdoor recreation initiatives. funds to enhance and expand our outdoor recreation opportunities, we are investing in new, long-term tourism product development. With this strategic focus, we can nurture and grow the tourism economy, thereby increasing travel, lodging occupancy, job growth, and the vitality of Recreation Initiatives: The Heart of the Plan small businesses. This plan focuses on nine different areas for outdoor recreation infrastructure development, including: 1) Multi-use Greenways, 2) Hiking, 3) Mountain Biking, 4) Paddle Trails, 5) Rock During an 18 month period, WCTDA staff worked with public land Climbing, 6) Fishing, 7) Road Cycling, and 9) Disc Golf. managers, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, and community partners to establish priorities for this plan. This plan emphasizes recreation Multi-use Greenways are wide trails that provide recreation opportunities for walkers, infrastructure initiatives that fill a void in current offerings or present runners, bikers, and users with wheelchairs, strollers, and in-line skates. Five (5) greenways are a significant opportunity for resource connectivity. As a result, this proposed throughout the Boone Area, including (1) the Middle Fork New River Greenway, plan does not reflect the many outdoor recreation activities available which strives to connect the Town of Boone and the Town of Blowing Rock; (2) the South Fork in the Boone Area. New River Greenway is proposed from Brookshire Park in Boone to the community of Todd in Ashe County; (3) the Cove Creek Greenway stems from the Old Cove Creek School; (4) the Valle Resources and Assets Crucis Greenway is a proposed river trail within Valle Crucis, a North Carolina Rural Historic District; and (5) the proposed route for the Grandfather Valley The Boone Area is well-known for its extensive natural resources. Our Greenway meanders along the Watauga River in the community of A new section of Mountains-to- rivers, mountains, and public lands yield tremendous recreation Foscoe. Sea Trail is underway between opportunities. The Boone Area serves as the headwaters of four major Blowing Rock and Deep Gap. river basins, including the New River, Watauga River, Catawba River, Hiking trail opportunities include a new 18-mile section of the and Yadkin River. Our unique water resources provide opportunities Mountains-to-Sea Trail, named one of NC’s Top 10 Natural for world-class trout fishing, canoeing, tubing, and kayaking. Wonders, along the Blue Ridge Parkway between Blowing Rock and Highway 421 at Deep Gap. Also, with the proliferation of state land Many federal, state, and local public lands are found throughout the holdings along the Northern Peaks of Watauga and Ashe Counties, Boone Area. The Grandfather Ranger District, which is part of Pisgah The Watauga River is one of many an opportunity exists to link the Town of Boone, Howard Knob National Forest, includes 192,000 acres. Managed by the United States significant natural resources found Park, Rich Mountain, Tater Hill Preserve, Snake Mountain, Elk Knob Forest Service (USFS), this District serves as home to the Linville throughout the Boone Area. State Park, and Three Top Mountain. Finally, Bear Paw State Natural Gorge Wilderness Area and the Wilson Creek Area. International Area, purchased by the State in 2009, presents new opportunities for attention comes to the Boone Area via the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is managed by the hiking-centered trail development. National Park Service (NPS). State managed lands include Elk Knob State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Bear Paw State Natural Area, and the Tater Hill Preserve. Finally, there are Mountain Biking opportunities are currently limited in the Boone ten local parks with significant recreation development implications. Together, these federal, Area; there are no legal mountain biking trails in Watauga County. state, and local lands serve as the physical cornerstone for recreation infrastructure initiatives.

1 For this reason, the WCTDA’s first major recreation Cycling infrastructure project includes the creation of a 185-acre Cycling enthusiasts from across the region and country recognize the Boone Area as a significant mountain bike facility: Rocky Knob Park. Land acquisition for and unique destination for road cycling. The WCTDA, in partnership with Boone Area Cyclists, Rocky Knob, located just east of the Town of Boone, began in Inc., are working to develop the Boone Area Cycling Map to illustrate the area’s most popular 2009 and construction started in May 2010. During the road routes. The WCTDA will spearhead efforts to place cycling route signage throughout the development of this plan, the WCTDA and Watauga County county. Efforts should be made to create formal cycling or multi-sport parking areas throughout leveraged WCTDA capital funds to secure $515,000 in grant the county. The WCTDA will assist in the development and expansion of cycling events funding for Rocky Knob Park. Other mountain biking throughout the Boone Area. development opportunities exist at Beech Mountain, Elk Knob State Park, where the State will soon develop a long-range Disc Golf plan, and in the Price Park area of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a Disc golf continues to grow in popularity as both a family-fun and competitive sport. There are possibility that National Park Service officials continue to no disc golf courses in Watauga County and only one in the region, which is located at Ashe consider. County Park. The planning process did not reveal any definitive locations for a course, but the Winkler Creek Reservoir, through a partnership with the Town of Boone, should be further Paddle Trails are proposed along the Watauga River and the explored for such an opportunity. New River. A series of legal river access areas will be created for kayakers, canoeists, and families wanting to explore our region’s unique water resources. During the development of Facility Design A consistent facility design and signage theme is critical for linking together the Boone Area’s this plan, the WCTDA leveraged a generous land donation by outdoor recreation offerings. Accordingly, architectural renderings have been developed for the Holton Family to secure a $75,000 grant to develop the shelters, park and trail gateway entrances, kiosks, and signage. With a unified architectural Upper Gorge Access along the Watauga River. Several access A new trail section is just completed at Rocky theme, a park and open space system will emerge throughout the Boone Area. areas have also been secured along the New River. There are Knob Park. photo by Taylor Woolridge six access areas planned for the Watauga River and the New River, respectively. Implementation There are a host of federal and state agencies and programs that support local recreation Rock Climbing opportunities abound in the Boone Area. The majority of the climbing initiatives, including: Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, Clean Water Management Trust Fund, destinations are located on federally managed public lands. This plan highlights eight (8) of Recreation Trails Program, NC Adopt-a-Trail, and NC Department of Transportation. To realize these existing areas, including: Blowing Rock Boulders, Holloway Mountain Crag, The Dump, our ambitious vision, it is critical that WCTDA resources are leveraged to win grant funds from Ship Rock, Grandmother Boulders, Hound Ears, Lost Cove Boulders, and the Linville Gorge. these and other grant-making agencies to buy land, secure conservation and trail easements, and Efforts should continue to purchase the Howard Knob Boulders, a profoundly unique climbing construct recreation facilities. resource located near downtown Boone, but currently in private ownership. The WCTDA proposes the creation of a Stewardship Fund, a program to support the long-term Fishing maintenance needs of outdoor recreation facilities. The Fund will be supported by allowing The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) manages an extensive trout private businesses to “adopt” park facilities and trails and through the issuance of commercial stocking program throughout Watauga County and surrounding counties. The WCTDA is permits to professional guide services using county-owned or supported facilities. The partnering with NCWRC to establish new trout stocking program areas, key to continuing the Stewardship Fund, along with the vast network of WCTDA partnering organizations and their dramatic growth of fly fishing as a new source of visitors to the Boone Area. Specifically, the volunteers, offer exciting new minimum cost ways to sustain the quality of Watauga County South Fork New River, Watauga River, and the Winkler Creek Reservoir emerge as opportunistic outdoor recreation facilities. areas for new trout stocking. Also, the WCTDA proposes the development of the Boone Area Fly Fishing Trail Map to highlight appropriate parking and river access areas for fishing on NCWRC The final element of this plan includes an implementation matrix that concisely presents the host supported trout waters throughout the region. of project opportunities identified within this plan and a priority timeline for implementation. Rocky Knob Park and multiple paddle trail access areas and greenways emerge as immediate priorities for implementation.

2 our ambitious vision. Thus, this plan both establishes our priorities, and better positions the Introduction WCTDA to leverage occupancy tax revenues to secure grant funds. The Boone Area Outdoor Background and Purpose Recreation Plan represents a new and powerful economic development strategy meant to multiply WCTDA resources. Created in 2006, the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA) serves as Watauga County’s official tourism-based economic development agency. The revenue source of Planning Process the WCTDA is derived from a six percent (6%) occupancy tax levied on overnight visitors of The process for developing this plan began in March 20091 and includes five major steps: short-term lodging establishments within the unincorporated areas of Watauga County. The Discovery, Project Development, Plan Framework and Recreation Summit, and Plan Adoption. WCTDA then invests these dollars to nurture and grow the tourism economy, thereby increasing travel, lodging occupancy, job growth, and Step 1: Discovery the vitality of small businesses. The vision of the WCTDA is to First, we conducted a comprehensive inventory of local, state, and federal The WCTDA enabling legislation, passed by the NC General Assembly in lands, and our natural resources. These assets serve as the backbone of all 2006, provides two broad categories in which the agency can spend establish the Boone Area as a top- initiatives and projects proposed within this plan. In addition, this step funds. First, the WCTDA must utilize two-thirds of occupancy tax ten outdoor recreation destination required that we identify the individuals and community organizations -- revenues to further market and brand Watauga County. Accordingly, the in America and the number one the Boone Area’s human resources -- presently working to further WCTDA operates ExploreBooneArea.com, Watauga County’s official such destination in the East. The outdoor recreation opportunities in the Boone Area. This plan is a tourism website, and, among many other promotional efforts, coordinates Boone Area Outdoor Recreation reflection of the ideas and support drawn directly from these citizen print ads and radio advertisements across the region and state. partners. The core information gathered during the discovery phase is Plan serves as a roadmap for found in Chapter One: Boone Area Profile. Second, the WCTDA is authorized to commit one-third of occupancy tax realizing this vision. revenues toward tourism-related capital infrastructure projects. The Step 2: Project Development WCTDA Board of Directors believes that we can best use these capital Immediate implementation is a rather unusual second step in a planning funds by investing in outdoor recreation infrastructure. The vision of the effort. However, there are significant grant funding opportunities available WCTDA is to establish the Boone from November - February. Rather than let this “grant season” pass to complete the entire Area as a top-ten outdoor planning effort, the WCTDA worked recreation destination in America quickly with partnering groups to solicit and the number one such grant funds for key projects identified destination in the East. The Boone during the discovery process.2 Area Outdoor Recreation Plan serves as a roadmap for realizing Step 3: Plan Framework and Recreation this vision. ExploreBooneArea.com serves as the official website of the WCTDA. Summit Not only does this plan offer the This phase allowed the planning team and WCTDA, Watauga County, and our community partners with a unified vision and foundation partnering organizations to present the for good decision-making, but it also serves as our primary communication tool for petitioning major concepts and themes of the federal, state, and private grant-making organizations to become financial partners in realizing recreation plan to the entire Boone Area community. The framework plan was developed after twelve months of intensive effort between the WCTDA, recreation enthusiasts, and partnering

1 The WCTDA hired a staff recreation planner in March 2009. 2 The WCTDA and Watauga County solicited $830,000 during the planning process; at the time of plan writing, $585,000 in grants funds had been successfully awarded.

3 organizations. A planning framework should create excitement among citizens and spark public Chapter 1: Boone Area Profile comment and discussion. The climax of this phase unfolded on March 30, 2010 at the Boone This chapter provides a foundation for the plan. Foremost, we identify the host of significant Area Outdoor Recreation Summit when more than 400 government, nonprofit, business, and natural resources and public lands found throughout the Boone Area and outline the community leaders gathered for a plan implications of these assets for expanding outdoor recreation offerings. Second, the Profile presentation by the WCTDA. In addition, describes the mission of our partnering organizations; these non-governmental entities offer WCTDA community partners were also significant insight into recreation development opportunities and possess experience and on-hand to share their recreation and knowledge to help the WCTDA and Watauga County implement this plan. environmental initiatives. Chapter 2: Initiatives Citizen participation was evident This chapter is the heart of the Outdoor Recreation Plan. It explicitly proposes how to improve throughout the Recreation Summit. outdoor recreation infrastructure throughout the Boone Area. Focus areas include multi-use Before and after the WCTDA greenways, hiking trails, biking trails, paddling, cycling, fishing, rock climbing, and disc golf. presentation, citizens were encouraged to study 20 maps and site plans that were Chapter 3: Facility Design on display, talk with community leaders This chapter provides guidelines and design schematics for recreation support facilities, such as assigned to each recreation station, and picnic shelters, information kiosks, and signage. An important objective of this plan is to provide comments or concerns. This “brand” the Watauga County outdoor recreation system with uniform facilities and signage. input has been incorporated throughout the plan. Chapter 4: Implementation More than 400 government, nonprofit, and business leaders, The plan’s final chapter outlines grant opportunities, objectives to ensure facility stewardship and outdoor recreation enthusiasts gather for the Boone Area As a follow up to the Recreation Summit, and maintenance, and a concise plan timetable that identifies each initiative and its respective Outdoor Recreation Summit. photo by Sam Calhoun the WCTDA created a clearinghouse of priority. information on the WCTDA planning website and blog: www.BooneAreaOutdoors.com. This website, with regular blog posts and twitter updates, serves as continual portal for the WCTDA to provide and receive information.

Step 4: Plan Adoption Beginning in March 2011, the general public, WCTDA partners, and elected ofﬁcials will review the Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan. The WCTDA anticipates formal plan adoption in spring 2011.

Organization of Plan This plan includes four subsequent chapters: Boone Area Proﬁle, Initiatives, Facility Design, and Implementation.

4 Exhibit 1: North Carolina’s Watauga River Basin - As published in High Country Magazine (August, 2009). The map compliments the article, Our Watauga Chapter One: Proﬁle River: Whispering Waters by Bernadette Cahill. This chapter examines existing Boone Area assets, including our natural resources, public lands, and people. While our mountains, rivers, and protected lands serve as the physical backbone for recreation initiatives, there is also a practical recognition among local government leaders that only through collaboration with engaged citizens and partnering organizations can this plan become a reality. Thus, this chapter establishes a plan foundation by examining both the natural and human resource capacity of the Boone Area. This chapter is organized into three (3) parts: 1) River Basins, 2) Public Lands and Parks, and 3) Community Partnerships.

RIVER BASINS The geographic position of the Boone Area is profoundly unique; there are four major river basins that extend across the region, including the Watauga River, New River, Yadkin River, and Catawba River basins (see Map 1: Boone Area River Basins, p. 6). This section provides a brief overview of the these resources and their implications for outdoor recreation.

Watauga River Basin The Watauga River basin, home to the Watauga River Gorge, one of the East’s most challenging whitewater runs, includes portions of both Watauga and Avery Counties. The basin’s headwaters ﬂow from the Eastern Continental Divide on the northern side of Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge escarpment. These tributaries feed the Watauga River, which parallels a portion of Highway 105, before turning west toward the historic community of Valle Crucis and ultimately spilling into Tennessee’s Watauga Lake. Recreation opportunities are abundant throughout the Watauga River basin, particularly for boating and ﬁshing enthusiasts.

For decades, the Boone Area’s upper Watauga River section has been a haven for both flat water canoeing and whitewater kayaking enthusiasts. Valle Crucis Park serves as the heart of the Watauga River’s flat water section (see Exhibit 1: North Carolina’s Watauga River Basin, page right). This community park and the surrounding valley is representative of the Boone Area’s uncommon character and stunning scenery. The Upper Watauga River Gorge, traditionally referred to as Section III, begins at the Highway 321 bridge and is a popular destination for novice kayakers. However, the Lower Watauga River Gorge, which begins at the Guy Ford Road bridge and includes class IV and V rapids, serves as a popular destination for advanced kayakers. American Whitewater, a national whitewater advocacy group, owns and operates a kayaking takeout for the Lower Watauga Gorge in Tennessee. This is the only official public access along the spectacular waterway.

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6 There are abundant ﬁshing opportunities throughout the Watauga Basin. The North Carolina A paddler takes in the majestic New River. photo by Todd Bush Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) manages stocked and wild trout streams throughout the basin’s tributaries and the main stem of the Watauga River. Fishing access often takes place informally along state roads and bridges.

Planning Implications 1. Community planning and preservation efforts are necessary to protect the basin’s unique character and water resources. 2. The Watauga River Gorge is a particular focus area for conservation. 3. There is a need for formal public access areas for boating, tubing, ﬁshing, and swimming along the main stem of the Watauga River and, where appropriate, its tributaries. 4. The Watauga River presents numerous opportunities for greenway trail development. 5. Watauga County ofﬁcials, the NCWRC, and community organizations, such as Watauga River Conservation Partners, Blue Ridge Conservancy, and Appalachian Voices’ Upper Watauga River Keeper, must work collectively to ensure sustainable resource management and safe public access to the Watauga Basin’s many assets .

North and beyond the Boone Area, the New River Paddle Trail has been well developed, New River Basin3 particularly with the involvement of North Carolina and Virginia State Parks. Within the Boone The New River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic American Heritage River, one of Area, however, and particularly in Watauga County, there are few public access areas available only fourteen in America in 1998. The New River is arguably the oldest river in North America for the boating and tubing user groups, who often access the river along state roads and bridges. and the second oldest in the world (The Nile is believed to be the oldest). The New River begins as two streams on the western side of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Watauga County. The Middle There are abundant fishing opportunities throughout the New River Basin. The North Carolina Fork New River connects the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock before its confluence with the Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) manages stocked and wild trout programs South Fork. The North and South Forks converge in Ashe County as the New River proper, then throughout the basin. flows northward into Virginia and loops back to North Carolina before continuing north into Virginia and West Virginia, where it descends to 680 feet. The New River is 337 miles long, and Planning Implications its 8,970 miles of tributaries drain a 6,920 square mile basin. 1. Community planning and preservation efforts are necessary to protect the basin’s unique character and water resources. The New River is a tremendous resource with unique historic, recreational, and biological 2. Watauga County officials, NCWRC, and community organizations, such as the National qualities. Historians believe the New River transported runaway slaves on their journey north; it Committee for the New River, must work collectively to ensure sustainable resource has traditionally been a hot spot for grassroots stewardship, including the founding of the management and safe public access to the New River Basin’s many assets. National Committee for the New River (NCNR) as the result of a dam fight in the 1970s (read 3. There is a need for formal public access areas for boating, tubing, fishing, and swimming more at www.ncnr.org). The New offers world-class small mouth bass fishing, tubing, and along the main stem of the New River and, where appropriate, its tributaries. paddling water for kayakers and canoers. Hikers also come to enjoy the scenery of the river 4. The New River presents numerous opportunities for greenway trail development. basin and its neighboring mountains, along many miles of designated trails.

3 This section is adapted from information provided by the National Committee for the New River (www.ncnr.org)

7 Catawba River Basin Paddlers enjoy the Yadkin River near the Caldwell County and Wilkes County line. Other efforts in the Yadkin basin include those of the Yadkin The Catawba River basin serves as host to the most extensive Valley Heritage Corridor Partnership4. The Partnership includes and recognized areas of public land and recreation opportunities representatives from local governments and nonprofit in the Boone Area, including the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, organizations from Caldwell, Wilkes, Surry, and Yadkin Wilson Creek (a National Wild and Scenic River), Upper Creek, Counties. In the spirit of regional cooperation, these Johns River, and the Highway 181 corridor, which provides communities are working to leverage their unique natural and access to a plethora of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails cultural resources to collectively brand and market the region for throughout Pisgah National Forest. The Boone Area’s Catawba tourism and private investment. River basin headwaters flow south from the Eastern Continental Divide, Blue Ridge escarpment, and Grandfather Mountain. Planning Implications 1.Many of the resources of the Yadkin Basin are outside of the With hundreds of headwater feeder streams, the Catawba basin jurisdiction of the WCTDA. offers tremendous fishing opportunities. On April 1st, the first 2.The WCTDA will depend on relationships with other local day of trout season each year, the Wilson Creek area is governments, public land managers, and nonprofit organizations inundated with fishing enthusiasts from across the region. The to ensure the preservation and improvement of recreation areas Wilson Creek Gorge is also one of the area’s most popular throughout the Yadkin basin. kayaking destinations; this whitewater section, which provides 3.The WCTDA should work with the Yadkin River Heritage class IV and V challenges, is within a 45 minute drive of the Corridor Partnership to identify opportunities for mutual Town of Boone. collaboration. 4. The W. Kerr Scott Reservoir serves as a model for private/public partnership to develop Planning Implications recreation opportunities. 1. The resources of the Catawba Basin are outside the jurisdiction of the WCTDA. 2. The WCTDA will depend on relationships with other local governments, public land managers, and partner organizations to ensure the preservation and improvement of PUBLIC LANDS AND PARKS recreation areas throughout the Catawba basin. The purpose of this section is to provide an overview of existing public lands and parks in the Boone Area. Map 2: Major Boone Area Public Lands (page 9) highlights these resources. This Yadkin River Basin section is organized into three parts: Federal Lands, State Lands, and Local Parks. The Yadkin River headwaters flow from the southeast of the Blue Ridge near Blowing Rock. Watauga County serves as host to the upper reaches of this basin before its many tributaries descend into portions of Caldwell and Wilkes Counties before reaching the main stem of the Federal Lands Yadkin River. The basin’s waters offer significant fishing opportunities and flat water boating There are two major federal land management agencies in the Boone Area: the United States along the Yadkin River proper. The Yadkin River valley is also home to the W. Kerr Scott Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS). Reservoir, which is managed by the Army Corp of Engineers. During the last five years over 40 miles of mountain bike trails have been completed around the lake on federal land. These trails US Forest Service have quickly become a regional attraction, sparking significant growth in tourism revenue. The Boone Area possesses easy access to the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest, which is managed by the USFS. The Grandfather District consists of 192,000 acres that stretch from the Black Mountains located east of Asheville to the Blue Ridge Parkway near

4 The Partnership’s plan, The Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor Master Plan, can be found by contacting the Wilkes County Planning Department.

8 9 Boone and Blowing Rock. Two of the Districts most significant assets are found within the The Boone Fork northern reaches of the management area: the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area and the Wilson Campground, located Creek Area. to the west of Highway 321, is Linville Gorge Wilderness Area surrounded by 5,000 The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the east, includes contiguous acres and 12,000 acres managed according to the Wilderness Act of 1964. This national legislation ensures has long been an area the “preservation and protection [of such designated public lands] in their natural condition.” of interest for The Linville Wilderness offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, recreation users and backpacking, camping, climbing, and kayaking. recreation planners. Equestrian and mountain biking activities are The USFS continues to prohibited in the wilderness area. A notable manage the facility, section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail traverses How does the Wilderness Act of but there have been through the Linville Gorge. 1964 describe “wilderness?” few resources dedicated to maintain Wilson Creek Area and modernize the “... an area where the earth and its Designated as a National Wild and Scenic River by campground. An community of life are untrammeled by US Congress in 2001, Wilson Creek is recognized extensive and Campers soak in twilight at Table Rock in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. photo by Eric for its outstanding resource value to the Boone man...” primitive road network Heistand Area. The greater Wilson Creek Area supports serves the area. The extensive opportunities for fishing, kayaking, “... an area of undeveloped Federal Collettsville Community Plan and the Caldwell County Comprehensive Plan, both produced by hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, land retaining its primeval character the Caldwell County Planning Department in 2006 and 2007 respectively, call for new trail backpacking, and rock climbing. The Mountains- and influence, without permanent development that serves all non-motorized trail users within the Boone Fork area. to-Sea Trail traverses through the Wilson Creek improvement or human habitation... “ Area with the Linville Gorge to the west and USFS Planning Implications Grandfather Mountain to the north. “... has outstanding opportunities for 1. Pisgah National Forest is beyond the jurisdiction of the WCTDA. solitude or a primitive and unconfined 2. The WCTDA will depend on relationships with other local governments and partner Two notable management areas within the Wilson type of recreation... “ organizations, such as Boone Area Cyclists and the Boone Climbers Coalition, for Creek Area include the Harper Creek and Lost infrastructure improvements in accordance with USFS direction. Cove Wilderness Study Areas. These areas are 3. USFS financial and human resources are limited, but there is tremendous need for trail managed as if they are Wilderness Areas, maintenance and signage infrastructure. preventing certain recreation uses such as mountain biking and horseback riding, while they are 4. Except for the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir trails near Wilkesboro, Pisgah National Forest, which is being considered for such a designation. Discussions with USFS officials, however, hint that also outside of Watauga County, provides the only source of public land available for these areas are unlikely to ever attain this status. Mountain biking and equestrian users can mountain biking in the Boone Area.5 officially enjoy 30 miles of trail throughout the Wilson Creek Area, but these wilderness study 5. The WCTDA and partner organizations, including Caldwell County Pathways, should areas can offer more extensive recreation opportunities with a congressionally authorized continue to explore new trail opportunities throughout the Boone Fork area. management re-designation.

5 Areas within Pisgah National Forest not available to mountain biking include the Linville Gorge Wilderness and the Harper Creek and Lost Cove Wilderness Study Areas.

1010 6. Discussions should continue among regional stakeholders as to whether the Harper Creek thrive as a popular and Lost Cove Wilderness Study management designations should remain intact. Should destination for the cultural more recreation uses, such as mountain biking and equestrian, be allowed in these areas? traveler and equestrian enthusiasts. This park area National Park Service also includes Blowing Rock The National Park Service (NPS) manages, arguably, the most significant resource found in the Boulders, a popular rock Boone Area: the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway is America’s most visited unit of the national climbing destination. park system, and the Boone Area is the pivotal halfway point for the spectacular byway. Parkway construction both started (Cumberland Knob) and was completed (the famous Linn The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Cove Viaduct) in the Boone Area. This 469 mile scenic corridor connects the Great Smokey named one of North Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This Carolina’s top ten natural unique asset, with over 22 million annual visitors, yields international recognition to the Boone wonders, traverses the Moses Area. Cone trail system before abruptly ending near From the southwest, the Blue Ridge Parkway traverses along the southern reaches of Watauga Highway 321, north of County, passing beneath the grandeur of Grandfather Mountain and Rough Ridge before Blowing Rock. However, a The Mountains-to-Sea Trail shares the Tanawha trail, which connects Grandfather splitting two large NPS landholdings: Price Park and Moses Cone. The linear park then new 18-mile section of the State Park, Price Park, and Moses Cone Memorial Park. meanders between the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock and along the Blue Ridge escarpment Mountains-to-Sea Trail is before leaving the county to the southeast near the community of Deep Gap. Both the Blue presently under construction between Highway 321 and Highway 421 near Deep Gap.6 The trail Ridge Parkway’s large landholdings and more linear section is located entirely on NPS land and crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway in several locations. sections present unique outdoor recreation opportunities. NPS continues to work on a long-term management plan for the entirety of the Blue Ridge Parkway and a specific management plan for Moses Cone Memorial Park. The Price Park area consists of approximately 4,200 acres and includes Price Lake, Price Park Campground, NPS Planning Implications Hebron Rock Colony, and the Price Park recreation area, 1. Price Park and Moses Cone are large landholdings that provide significant outdoor recreation which includes the popular Boone Fork Trail. The offerings and opportunities. Tanawha Trail, which also serves as a section of the 2. The WCTDA and partner organizations should partner with the NPS, which has limited staff Mountains-to-Sea Trail, is the area’s primary artery. The resources, to help maintain and further develop recreation opportunities in accordance with Price Park area offers a variety of outdoor recreation NPS policy. opportunities, including hiking, fishing, camping, and 3. This plan offers an opportunity for the Boone Area to issue collective sentiments concerning picnicking. the future management of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Moses Cone Management Plans; during their management planning efforts, the NPS welcomes public participation and The 3,600 acre Moses Cone Memorial Park was comment. committed to the care of the NPS in 1952 with the intent 4. The WCTDA should continue discussions with NPS officials concerning the possible of preserving the estate’s unique home and 26 miles of development of mountain biking trails at Price Park. carriage and equestrian trails. Moses Cones continues to

6 In 2009 the Watauga County Tourism Development Authority granted $20,000 to the Friends of Mountain-to-Sea Trail to assist with this trail section.

1111 5. Moses Cone offers the Boone Area an extensive equestrian trail The trail to the top of Elk Knob is being built with volunteer labor, additional lands and trail easements, will be necessary to realize the network; the development of additional equestrian trail evidence of the role Boone Area citizens can play in future outdoor Northern Peak trail. infrastructure across the Boone Area is not a priority within this recreation initiatives. plan. Elk Knob State Park 6. This plan supports the inclusion of Blowing Rock Boulders within Elk Knob is located in the New River Basin, north of Tater Hill along the NPS Moses Cone and Parkway Management Plans. the Northern Peaks mountain chain. The State has constructed multiple parking areas and a park ranger facility. Also, a new trail will State Lands soon be completed to the top of Elk Knob; it is being built primarily with volunteer labor, evidence of the role Boone Area citizens can play The State of North Carolina, despite the spectacular character of in future outdoor recreation initiatives. Elk Knob State Park opened in Watauga County scenery, did not begin to invest in state-managed 2003 and consists of 3,280 acres. public land in Watauga County until 2001. During the last decade, however, North Carolina has made significant strides to expand the Generally, State Parks possess both significant natural resource and state’s park system through acquisition of Watauga County lands with recreational values and accommodate the development of recreation high resource value. The State currently manages four major public support facilities.7 State Park officials still consider Elk Knob to be landholdings in Watauga County, including: Tater Hill Bog Preserve, within the “acquisition phase” of park development and have yet to Elk Knob State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and Bear Paw begin the comprehensive park planning process for this relatively new State Natural Area. This section provides a brief overview of these state park.8 It is likely that within the next five years the State will state-managed lands and underscores their outdoor recreation engage in a park planning process, requiring public participation and input. This plan provides implications. an opportunity for Watauga County leaders and partnering organizations to provide recommendations for state officials to consider as they move forward with planning for Elk Tater Hill Bog Preserve Knob State Park. Located at the headwaters of the New River basin, Tater Hill combines underlying amphibolite The Profile Trail is a popular and accessible trail at Grandfather State Park. rock along with permanent wetlands to create a unique habitat that harbors two federally Grandfather Mountain State Park endangered plant species: the Long Stalked Holly and Gray's Lily. In addition, the site is also Grandfather Mountain is an home to two species considered endangered by the State of North Carolina: the Linear Leaf ecological and recreation treasure for Willow-Herb and Swamp Saxifrage. not only North Carolina, but also the nation. Grandfather Mountain is In 2001, the Trust for Public Land purchased the Preserve’s original 158 acres. This rare home to 16 distinct ecosystems, 73 mountain bog ecosystem consists of 434 acres and is managed within North Carolina’s Plant rare or endangered species, Conservation Program. The purpose of the Tater Hill Bog Preserve acquisition was to protect including 32 that are globally the property’s unique national and state biological resources. Although recreation was not the imperiled, and is designated as part purpose for this acquisition, this public landholding is among several along the Northern Peaks of the United Nation’s Biosphere mountain chain. The Northern Peaks, which includes Rich Mountain, Tater Hill, Snake Reserves international network. Mountain, Elk Knob, and Three Top Mountain, presents a unique opportunity for an extensive There are currently 13 miles of trails ridge hiking trail. A foot trail through portions of Tater Hill, along with the acquisition of found in Grandfather’s backcountry.

7 See www.ncparks.gov for more information regarding state park management. 8 WCTDA staff met with Larry Trivette, Elk Knob Superintendent and Tom Jackson, West District Superintendent of NC Division of Parks And Recreation on March 18, 2009 to discuss Elk Knob State Park planning.

1212 A portion of the peak is still privately owned and includes the famous Mile High Swinging 5. Bear Paw State Natural Area is conducive to limited trail development. The WCTDA and Bridge. partnering groups should assist the State in planning and developing a sustainable hiking trail network at the park. Bear Paw State Natural Area Bear Paw includes a significant portion of the spectacular Hanging Rock ridge and is the birthplace of Dutch Creek, a headwater tributary of the Watauga River. Bear Paw is a notable Local Lands and Parks viewshed feature of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain, includes 355 acres, and is located near Seven Devils and the The purpose of this section is to highlight Watauga County’s most significant local parks, particularly those with meaningful implications for improving outdoor recreation infrastructure. Valle Crucis Historic District. Hikers enjoy the scenery at Bear Paw State Natural Area during a guided hike by the Blue Ridge Conservancy. photo submitted by Blue Ridge Conservancy This section describe seven (7) parks, including: 1) Brookshire Park, 2) Green Valley Park, 3) As a State Natural Area, North Valle Crucis Park, 4) Old Cove Creek Park, 5) Rocky Knob Park, 6) Howard Knob Park, and 7) Carolina strives to protect Bear Paw’s Winkler Creek Reservoir. scientific, aesthetic, and ecological Brookshire Park value. Facilities for State Natural Areas are limited to those needed for Brookshire Park has approximately 4,000 feet of frontage along the South Fork New River and interpretation, protection, and serves as a natural location for expanding and connecting the Boone Greenway. This 80-acre minimum maintenance. Generally, park is owned and operated by Watauga County and falls partially within the municipal limits the State does not provide of the Town of Boone. This park offers multiple lighted fields, including the Ted Mackorell recreational and public use facilities Soccer Complex, bathrooms, and such as camping, swimming, a walking trail loop. picnicking, and the like within Natural Area. This plan proposes that Thanks to a $90,000 grant from the State develop a hiking trail NCDOT, in spring 2011 Watauga network at Bear Paw. County will construct a 3,000’ multi-use greenway that extends State Lands Planning Implications north of the Brookshire walking 1. This plan should provide state loop. With another $45,000 officials with a better understanding of community sentiments regarding recreation NCDOT grant, Watauga County development on state managed lands; these sentiments and recommendations should be will facilitate the engineering palatable to North Carolina’s park management policy. and permitting of the Highway 2. The Tater Hill Bog Preserve serves as a critical link for realizing a trail along the Northern 421 pedestrian underpass to Peaks. Trail development within the Preserve will require a strong relationship with state ultimately connect Brookshire officials and sound planning. Park to the Boone Greenway. Another opportunity includes 3. Elk Knob State Park is also an essential part of the proposed Northern Peaks Trail and Brookshire Park is an anchor for extending a multi-use greenway along the South provides an opportunity for mountain biking trail development. trout stocking along the South Fork New River. 4. Local officials should continue to partner with Grandfather Mountain to protect this resource Fork New River, a possibility the and improve trail infrastructure through volunteer coordination. NC Wildlife Resources Commission continues to pursue.

1313 Green Valley Park Rocky Knob Park Green Valley Park is located adjacent to the South Fork New River Comprised of 185 acres, Rocky Knob Park serves as the WCTDA’s first near the rural community of Todd. The Green Valley Park major outdoor recreation project and as Watauga County’s first Association, a nonprofit organization, developed the scenic park mountain biking facility10. In the early stages of plan development, through donations, grants, and limited government support. The mountain biking was identified as a major recreation need; there are no park has bathrooms9, a playground, a shelter, field space, and a legal mountain biking trails in Watauga County. The WCTDA identified canoe launch. Parking and signage improvements can help 140 acres owned by Watauga County and adjacent to the County improve the canoe launch area. landfill as a possible location for a mountain biking trail system. With support from County officials, the WCTDA assisted Watauga County Valle Crucis Park with the purchase of 45-acres with premier access on Scenic Byway 421 Nestled in historic Valle Crucis and along the Watauga River, Valle and adjacent to the County’s property. Construction of this park began Crucis Park is owned and managed by Valle Crucis Park, Inc., a in May 2010 and will require several years to complete. nonprofit organization. The park offers a playground, walking The Trail Dynamics crew leads trail construction efforts at Rocky Knob with a track, river access, field space, and multiple shelters. The park mini-excavator, while volunteers make a game plan. Boone Area Cyclists, Inc. Howard Knob Park continues to experience heavy use by both visitors and area volunteers logged nearly 1,000 hours at Rocky Knob during fall 2010 . Howard Knob Park is located at the pinnacle of Howard Knob, which residents. In 2009, the Park’s Board of Directors hired a Park photo by Kristian Jackson towers over the Town of Boone and begins the Rich Mountain chain. Director This park is a major node of the proposed Northern Peaks Trail. The to manage the popular facility. park is owned and operated by Watauga County. No significant infrastructure investments have Proposed recreation improvements been made at the park in the last decade. Adjacent to the park is a private landholding that along the Watauga River and near the offers the possibility of extensive rock climbing park must be sensitive to the Park’s opportunities should the property become strategic plans. available.

Old Cove Creek Park Winkler Creek Reservoir Cove Creek Park is located along The Winkler Creek Reservoir serves as a 30-day Cove Creek, a tributary of the backup water supply for the Town of Boone. The Watauga River. The park is operated small reservoir is approximately eight (8) acres and by Watauga County Parks and is surrounded by 102-acres of Town property. The Recreation and includes a gym, property is currently fenced and posted against walking track, multi-use ﬁeld, trespassing. Small reservoirs such as this are Valle Crucis Park is central to the Valle Crucis Historic District. playground, and shelter. Near the utilized across North Carolina and the nation for park and on the same property, is the Old recreation use. Watauga County and the WCTDA Cove Creek School, which is managed by Cove Creek Preservation and Development, Inc. Cove hopes to partner with the Town of Boone to explore

Creek Park is a major anchor for the proposed Cove Creek multi-use greenway. recreation opportunities at the Winkler Creek The Winkler Creek Reservoir provides an opportunity for new Reservoir. recreation development opportunities.

9 The WCTDA provided the Green Valley Park Association with a $10,000 grant in 2009 to assist with the construction of the restrooms, the only public restrooms available for paddlers using the New River. 10 In 2010, the WCTDA and Watauga County raised $515,000 in state and private grant funding for this project.

144 COMMUNITY PARTNERS Watauga River Conservation Partners Watauga River Conservation Partners (WRCP) serves as the Watauga The section provides an overview of the many partner groups referenced throughout this Chapter of the Western North Carolina Alliance, a regional nonproﬁt document, with whom the WCTDA continues to work alongside to develop and implement this advocacy group. WRCP is committed to improving water quality and plan. ensuring water quantity in Watauga River watershed. WRCP manages stream enhancement and restoration projects, a volunteer riparian planting Boone Area Cyclists program, and educational workshops. In 2010, WRCP received a $250,000 Boone Area Cyclists (BAC) was formed in 2009 with a mission to federal grant to assist local citizens with improving water quality in the develop, coordinate, and promote safe and accessible cycling Beaverdam Creek watershed of the Watauga Basin. WRCP will continue to opportunities throughout the Boone Area. On their website, be an important partner as the WCTDA develops paddle access areas and www.BooneAreaCyclists.com, the organization highlights their pursues other trail development efforts along the Watauga River and its inclusive nature as a “club for cyclists of all ages, abilities, and styles of tributaries. riding.”

BAC received its 501 c 3 tax-exempt status in July 2010 and is quickly Middle Fork Greenway Association making a significant impact for area biking enthusiasts. After forging The Middle Fork Greenway Association (MFGA) was strong partnerships with the US Forest Service, BAC has formally established in the late 90s. The vision of this nonprofit is adopted over 30 miles of mountain biking trail in Pisgah Nation Forest. Furthermore, BAC to realize a multi-use greenway between Boone and serves as the primary community partner in the development of Rocky Knob Park, the 185-acre Blowing Rock. MFGA has secured multiple properties mountain bike park being developed by Watauga County and the WCTDA. BAC and their 150+ along the Middle Fork New River corridor and is members are responsible for portions of trail development and long-term trail maintenance currently working to complete their first trail section in needs. BAC had logged nearly 1,000 hours of volunteer labor at Rocky Knob at the time of the vicinity of Tweetsie Railroad and Mystery Hill. publishing this plan. Carolina and Boone Climbers Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Coalition The Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail serves as the state-wide champion for realizing North Boone Climbers Coalition (BCC) serves as a Chapter of the larger non- Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST). This trail initiative will ultimately stretch nearly 1,000 profit organization, Carolina Climbers Coalition (CCC). Foremost, miles and link Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer these organizations build effective relationships with Banks. More than 500 miles of the footpath are public land managers responsible for significant complete, and with the use of temporary trail climbing resources. When necessary, the CCC connectors and back roads, today hikers can purchases private property to protect climbing venture across North Carolina. A local MST areas. The BCC has established a strong foundation taskforce, which has logged nearly 3,000 hours with local land managers to ensure continued access of volunteer labor, is currently working to to climbing resources throughout Boone Area. complete an 18-mile trail section between Blowing Rock and Deep Gap along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

151 Green Valley Community Park High Country Disc Golf Club Greenway Valley Community Park is an organization committed to further developing, The High County Disc Golf Club is organized to further promote improving, and maintaining Green Valley Park, which is located on the New River near the and develop disc golf opportunities throughout the Boone Area. community of Todd. This organization serves as an important partner as we strive to develop This group was instrumental in realizing an 18-hole course in paddle access areas and multi-use trails along the New River. Ashe County, which has become a major attraction. The Club will play an important role as the WCTDA works to establish a Valle Crucis Community Park disc golf course in Watauga County. Valle Crucis Community Park is a nonprofit organization responsible for improving and maintaining Valle Crucis Park, a private park situated adjacent to the Watauga River in Valle Todd Community Preservation Crucis. The Board of Directors of this nonprofit continue to be challenged by increasing numbers Organization of park users. This organization is staffed with a park director. This nonprofit serves as an The Todd community is located along the New River near the Watauga County and Ashe important partner as we strive to develop paddle access areas and multi-use trails along the County line. The Todd Community Preservation Organization (TCPO) mission is to develop a Watauga River. sustainable community while preserving the cultural heritage, history, and natural resources of the Todd community. The TCPO will be involved in efforts to establish new trail opportunities National Committee for the New River along the New River and a paddle access area near Todd Island Park The National Committee for the New River (NCNR) is a nonprofit organization based in the Town of West Jefferson in Ashe County. NCNR works to safeguard the New River by protecting critical Cove Creek Preservation and Development lands, creating healthy streambanks and riparian habitat, and by Cove Creek Preservation and Development manages the Old Cove Creek School, which houses working with local citizens. The WCTDA recognizes NCNR as an numerous small businesses in the Cove Creek community. This organization, along with important partner for protecting the New River as an invaluable community’s Ruritan Club, will be instrumental partners as the WCTDA explores new natural resource and for exploring greenway opportunities along this greenway and trail opportunities in Cove Creek. river corridor.

Blue Ridge Conservancy In 2010 the Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) formed after High Country Conservancy and Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust combined their two land trust organizations. The BRC is working to conserve land with signiﬁcant agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational, or scenic value. The BRC will be an important partner for acquiring land necessary for trails, greenways, and paddle access areas.

1616 Chapter Two: Initiatives South Fork New River Greenway This chapter serves as the heart of the Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan. This chapter builds The purpose of the South Fork New River Greenway is to establish a trail along the South Fork upon the natural resources and partner groups identified in Chapter One and outlines specific New River corridor that ultimately connects the Boone Greenway with the rural community of projects for improving outdoor recreation infrastructure throughout the Boone Area. The chapter Todd in Ashe County. This corridor is approximately 22-miles long. includes eight (8) sections, including: 1) Multi-use Greenways, 2) Hiking, 3) Mountain Biking, 4) Paddle Trails, 5) Rock Climbing, 6) Fishing, 7) Road Cycling, and 8) Disc Golf. The immediate implementation focus for this project includes a 1.5 mile section of greenway that extends north from the Boone Greenway, utilizes the low traffic section of New River Hills Road, MULTI-USE GREENWAYS passes underneath Highway 421, connects to the Brookshire Park walking trail, and continues to Multi-use greenway trails provide for a variety of recreation the end of Watauga County’s Brookshire Park property (see Exhibit 2: Phase I South Fork New opportunities. Greenways are generally flat paths, often paved, and River Greenway, page 19). The Boone greenway is a popular destination for a suitable for walking, biking, wheelchairs, rollerblading, variety of user groups. photo by Lynn Willis skateboarding, and possibly horseback riding. Greenways not only There are two proposed spur trails along this corridor. The proposed Rocky Knob provide community recreation and health benefits, but also help Connector will connect the greenway to the entrance of Rocky Knob Park. Another connect rivers and streams, neighborhoods, community parks, proposed spur will extend 2,000’ from the existing Boone Greenway and connect to the commerce centers, and downtowns. Hospitality House, a facility that provides a place of transition for the Boone Area’s homeless. There are five proposed Boone Area greenway projects, including: 1) South Fork New River Greenway, 2) Middle Fork New River Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) Greenway, 3) Valle Crucis Greenway, 4) Grandfather Valley 1. Develop a 10’ foot-wide paved trail segment that extends from the Brookshire Park 11 Greenway, and 5) Cove Creek Greenway. The general alignment walking trail, north until the end of the County’s property. for each greenway effort is highlighted as a “Planned Multi-Use 2. Continue efforts with NCDOT to secure a pedestrian underpass under Highway 12 Greenway” on Map 3: Trail Master Plan (page 18). These areas 421. represent broad corridors where a greenway trail would be ideal. 3. Begin easement exploration and landowner outreach between Brookshire Park and Implementation depends on partnerships with NCDOT and the Todd. voluntary participation of landowners. The WCTDA will maintain 4. Secure grant funds to exercise the county’s option on a 1.5 mile conservation a sincere respect for private property rights. With the voluntary easement on property north of Brookshire Park. commitment of landowners, the WCTDA has a variety of grant 5. Continue to nurture relationships with the Town of Boone, the Green Valley Park funding sources available to purchase land, easements, and Committee, the Todd Community Preservation Organization, and the National construct greenway trails (see Chapter Four). Committee for the New River .

This section provides a brief description of each proposed project and identiﬁes multiple near-term (approximately ﬁve years) key Middle Fork New River Greenway objectives necessary to advance the trail project. Efforts to construct a greenway connecting the Town of Boone and the Town of Blowing Rock began in 1999 with the creation of the Middle Fork Greenway Association

11 In 2010, Watauga County received $90,000 in discretionary funding from NCDOT for this trail segment. 12 In 2010, Watauga County received $45,000 in discretionary funding from NCDOT to conduct engineering and permitting for the underpass. Watauga County will place this project on the NCDOT TIP in 2011.

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18 Exhibit 2 - Phase I: south fork new river greenway

1919 (MFGA). This greenway will not only connect two major Short-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) towns, but also the Blue Ridge Parkway and the 1.The WCTDA will continue to further develop a partnership with the Valle Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The MFGA has secured numerous Crucis Park, Inc. properties for this effort, as seen on Map 4: Middle Fork 2.Identify landowners willing to provide a greenway trail easement. Greenway (page 21). 3.Strive to develop a section of greenway extending from the Valle Crucis walking trail. The immediate priority for this project is the Tweetsie, Mystery Hill, and Sterling Creek Park Connector (see Grandfather Valley Greenway14 Exhibit 3: Tweetsie, Mystery Hill, and Sterling Creek Park The upper Watauga River Valley, from Grandfather Mountain State Park's Connector, page 22).13 All landowners associated with this Profile Trail, to the river's crossing of NC 105 on the way to Valle Crucis, is 9/10 mile trail segment are willing participants. This one of the region's monumental natural settings. Much of the valley is connector will serve as the first “on the ground” greenway relatively flat, and a greenway trail along the Watauga River corridor will section and will hopefully create considerable momentum. link a growing assortment of communities and businesses and provide a The crux of this project will involve a pedestrian pedestrian friendly alternative to the increasing traffic of NC 105. From underpass at Highway 321, similar to the Highway 321 Grandfather Community Park to Shulls Mill Road, the diversity of underpass in Lenoir, NC (see picture, right). landowners, existing riverside roads and routes, and river crossings could The bike and pedestrian underpass recently constructed in Lenoir, NC utilizes a box provide a variety of possible ways to offer walkers and cyclists a greenway Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) culvert under Highway 321. A similar method will need to be used along the experience in this emerging community. 1. Focus efforts on the Tweetsie, Mystery Hill, Sterling Middle Fork corridor. photo by Merlin Perry, Caldwell County Pathways Creek Park Connector, particularly the design and permitting of the Highway 321 pedestrian underpass. Cove Creek Greenway 2. Transfer properties already secured by MFGA to Watauga County. Cove Creek is a tributary of the Watauga River that traverses through the close-knit Cove Creek 3. Begin efforts to establish additional trail easements adjacent to the Faithbridge Methodist community. The Old Cove Creek School anchors the community and serves as an ideal place Church property, thereby creating an additional greenway node and anchor for creating from which to establish a multi-use greenway. There has been some landowner support for this another trail segment. project, particularly from Leo Mast, who owns a tract with 1,500 feet of frontage along Cove 4. Continue to provide assistance to and help build the capacity of MFGA. Creek. Mr. Mast is working with Blue Ridge Conservancy to finalize a conservation and trail easement along his property in 2010. The WCTDA continues to work with NCDOT to ensure Valle Crucis Greenway that the Highway 321/Cove Creek bridge replacement, scheduled for 2012, accommodates a Valle Crucis Park serves as the most logical anchor for developing a greenway along the bike and pedestrian underpass. Watauga River. The success of this project will depend upon the willingness of landowners adjacent to and beyond the park to consider public trail access. In addition, the Valle Crucis Park Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) Board of Directors, which operates this private park, must consider the impact of greenway 1. Assist Blue Ridge Conservancy to finalize the Mast easement. development on the park’s limited capacity. There are, however, no current projects underway to 2. Work with the Cove Creek Preservation and Historic Society to identify landowners willing realize the Valle Crucis River Greenway, but discussions continue with landowners. to provide a greenway trail easement. 3. The WCTDA should explore ways to help spawn new commerce in the community.

13 In 2009, Watauga County submitted at $238,000 request to the NCDOT Bike and Pedestrian Division for assistance with the project. The project ranked particularly high compared to other projects from across the State. 14 This section was written by author Randy Johnson.

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21 ORK Exhibit 3 - Tweetsie railroad, mystery hill, and sterling creek connector

22 well-organized volunteer HIKING effort, but certain areas of the This section identiﬁes opportunities for developing additional hiking opportunities in the Boone new trail segment are steep area. There are three (3) proposed initiatives, including: 1) Mountains-to-Sea Trail, 2) Northern and require intensive labor.15 Peaks Trail, and 3) Bear Paw State Natural Area (see Map 3: Trail Master Plan, page 18). These WCTDA funds were used to projects are recommended for hiking development only, as opposed to dual use trail systems, construct the most difﬁcult which make provisions for hiking and mountain biking users. trail sections.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail and Northern Peak Trail are linear trail projects, while Bear Paw Other opportunities exist to provides opportunities for trail system development. The purpose of linear trails are to move improve the current MST, users across an expansive and diverse amount of terrain. A trail system, however, offers a particularly trailheads on network of various trails often within the conﬁnes a single large property holding. NPS property within the Price Park and Moses Cone Mountains-to-Sea Trail areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Exhibit 4: The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST), recently recognized as Mountains-to-Sea Trail Access one of NC’s top natural wonders, is an on-going 1,000 Cars are often seen along Holloway Mountain Road, where hikers access the Improvements (page 24), mile state-wide trail initiative that will ultimately connect Tanawha/ Mountains-to-Sea Trail. illustrates proposed MST Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to trailhead improvements along Holloway Mountain Jockey’s Ridge in the NC Outer Banks. More than 500 Road and Shull’s Mill Road. These renderings were miles of the footpath are complete, and with the use of developed subsequent to numerous meetings and on- temporary trail connectors and back roads, today hikers site visits with NPS ofﬁcials. can venture across North Carolina. The Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is spearheading this initiative. Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) 1. Continue to partner and assist Friends of The MST enters the Boone Area from the southwest via Mountains-to-Sea in completing the new trail the Linville Gorge, then traverses Pisgah National Forest segment. and the Wilson Creek Area before reaching Beacon 2. Explore the creation of camping facilities along the Heights at Grandfather Mountain. The trail crosses new MTS section. National Park Service (NPS) and Blue Ridge Parkway 3. Implement the Holloway Mountain Road trailhead lands before ending at Highway 321, north of the Town of improvement project. Blowing Rock. From Highway 321 to Highway 421 in A new segment of Mountains-to-Sea Trail is Deep Gap, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Friends under construction along the Blue Ridge of Mountains-to-Sea Trail is constructing a new 18-mile Parkway between Blowing Rocky and Deep Northern Peaks Trail Gap. section of trail. The proposed Northern Peaks Trail rises out of Boone and touches Howard Knob before traversing the In 2009, the WCTDA provided Friends a $20,000 grant to assist with the new trail section, which spectacular peaks of Rich Mountain, Tater Hill, Snake will be completed in 2012. The MST is largely being implemented through an expansive and The steps along Shulls Mill Road need to be 15 The National Park Service does not allow the use of machines to construct trail. replaced.

2323 Exhibit 4 - Mountains-to-sea trail access improvements

24 Mountain, Elk Knob, and Three Top (see Map 3: Trail Master Plan, page 18). Blue Ridge Conservancy continues to focus on land conservation along the biologically signiﬁcant Northern Peaks. This initiative could become one of the most extraordinary and scenic ridge top trails in the Boone Area.

Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) 1. Continue to partner and assist Blue Ridge Conservancy in the acquisition of additional properties along the Northern Peaks. 2. Conduct more in-depth planning that examines possible trail alignments. 3. Move forward with improvements at Howard Knob Park, which will serve as an additional anchor for this trail (see Exhibit 5: Howard Knob Park Improvements, page 26)

Bear Paw State Natural Area Bear Paw State Natural Area was purchased by the State with the primary goal of resource protection. This property is ideal for a low impact recreation use, such as hiking. A network of trails across the 350-acre park will provide a unique experience for outdoor enthusiast of all levels.

Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) 1. Continue to partner with the State and Blue Ridge Conservancy to develop a trail development plan at Bear Paw. 2. Assist in trail system design and implementation.

2525 Exhibit 5 - Howard Knob Park Improvements

26 This park is owned and operated by Watauga County, while the MOUNTAIN BIKING WCTDA manages the overall park development effort. These two Cycling, including both mountain biking and road government agencies are also working closely with Boone Area biking, is a critical initiative for making the Boone Area Cyclists, and their large volunteer network, to develop and ultimately a premier outdoor recreation destination. In addition to maintain the trail system. The trail system will accommodate for a recreation, health, and transportation benefits, this variety of cycling abilities. growing sport has significant economic implications. The US bike industry is a $5.6 billion per year The NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) awarded the industry.16 Cycling contributes $60 million annually to County with a $500,000 grant for this facility in 2010. Other secured the NC Outer Banks economy.17 The Virginia Creeper grants funds include $5,000 from Bikes Belong Foundation, $5,000 Trail injects $1.59 million annually into the local from Specialized Bikes, and $5,000 from the NC Adopt-a-Trail economy and supports 27 new full-time jobs.18 The Program. This project is the foremost implementation priority for the Boone Area is poised to reap significant economic WCTDA and the overall Boone Area Outdoor Recreation Plan. benefits from investing in cycling infrastructure. Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) This section focuses on five outstanding areas for 1. Meet obligations of the NC PARTF grant, including construction of expanding mountain biking opportunities in the Boone On June 14, 2010, Watauga County, the WCTDA, and Boone Area Cyclists host a the bike skills area, phase II trail construction, one (1) shelter, and the Area, including: 1) Rocky Knob Park, 2) Elk Knob State groundbreaking ceremony for Rocky Knob Park. Boone Area Cyclists volunteers logged adventure playground by 2013. Park, 3) Price Park, 4) Wilson Creek Area, and 5) Beech nearly 1,000 volunteer hours at the park in fall 2010. 2. Complete the park build-out, according to concept plan, by 2015. Mountain. Map 3: Trails Master Plan (page 18) identifies 3. Further solidify a partnership with Boone Area Cyclists, Inc. to assist Rocky Knob Park, Elk Knob State Park, Price Park, and Beech Mountain as “dual-use study with trail development and long-term maintenance. areas,” which accommodate both hiking and mountain biking user groups. Map 5: Pisgah National Forest Mountain Biking (page 30) highlights trail projects in the Wilson Creek Area, Elk Knob State Park which are being led by Boone Area Cyclists. Elk Knob State Park is owned and managed by the State of North Carolina. All decisions concerning outdoor recreation infrastructure and public access rest solely with the State. Rocky Knob Park However, the State welcomes community input as they plan and manage public lands. It is the Rocky Knob Park is located on Highway 421 just east of the Town of Boone (see Exhibit 6: Rocky hope of Watauga County leadership and citizens, through the transparent and cooperative Knob Park Conceptual Master Plan, page 28). Construction for the 185-acre park, which will serve development of this plan, that trail development at Elk Knob can ultimately support both the as the first legal mountain bike trail system in Watauga County, began in May 2010. The trails hiking and biking user groups. will also be available to hikers, trail runners, and cross-country skiers in the winter. The park will ultimately provide 8-10 miles of natural surface trail. Other recreation amenities at Rocky Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) Knob include: shelters, an adventure playground, a bike skills development area, and picnicking 1. Maintain a strong presence during the forthcoming park planning process for Elk Knob. areas. 2. If authorized, assist the State in mobilizing local volunteers and identifying financial resources to realize mountain bike trail development at Elk Knob.

16 National Bike Industry Association, 2010

17 NCDOT, 2004 18 United States Department of Agriculture, 2004

2727 Exhibit 6 - Rocky Knob Park Conceptual Master Plan

28 Price Park Beech Mountain Price Park is managed by the National Park Service (NPS). All decisions concerning outdoor Beech Mountain offers cyclists a unique riding experience with a trail network situated above an recreation infrastructure and public access rest solely with this agency. However, the NPS does elevation of 5000 feet. Beech Mountain officials recognize mountain biking, hiking, and trails as welcome community input regarding park management and planning. It is the hope of Watauga an exceptional opportunity for attracting visitors. Toward this end, the Town has established the County leadership and citizens that trail development at Price Park can ultimately support both Emerald Outback Trails, currently a 6+ mile network of gorgeous, flowing single track with hiking and biking user groups. tremendous potential for expansion. There are over 30 total miles of trail found throughout the Town of Beech Mountain. Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) 1. Maintain a strong relationship with NPS officials as they continue planning efforts along the Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) Blue Ridge Parkway. 1. Assist the Town of Beech Mountain to expand mountain biking trail opportunities. 2. If authorized, assist the NPS in mobilizing local volunteers and Exhibit 7 - Beech Mountain Adventure Trail Park identifying financial resources to realize mountain bike trail development at Price Park.

Wilson Creek Area The Wilson Creek Area in Pisgah National Forest serves as a premier haven for mountain biking enthusiasts. Boone Area Cyclists (BAC), recognizing the importance of this area to the cycling Pisgah National Forest offers diverse and challenging opportunities for community, continues to partner mountain biking enthusiasts. Photo courtesy of Kristian Jackson. with the USFS to maintain 30 miles of mountain biking trails throughout the Forest and explore new trail opportunities within the Boone Fork Area (see Map 5: Pisgah National Forest Mountain Biking, page 30). In spring 2010, BAC eight (8) club members were certiﬁed by the USFS to operate chainsaws. Through the capacity building of organizations like BAC, the WCTDA can improve outdoor recreation infrastructure beyond their political jurisdiction.

Near-term Objectives (2010 - 2015) 1. Continue to partner and build the capacity of Boone Area Cyclists, Inc. 2. Assist BAC and the USFS with trailhead and trail signage planning for the Wilson Creek Area. 3. Develop a trail inventory and plan new trail development within the Boone Fork Area.

2929 Long-term Objectives (2016 - 2025) 1. Assist BAC in further developing the network of trails available for mountain biking in the Wilson Creek Area 2. Implement a trail plan for the Boone Fork Area

30 Exhibit 8 - Watauga county Road cycling Map. Produced by WCTDA intern Noah Nowinski in spring 2010, this conceptual cycling map was developed with extensive input from area riders. ROAD CYCLING Cycling enthusiasts from across the region and country recognize the Boone Area as a major road cycling destination. Cycling phenomenon Lance Armstrong describes the Boone Area as “the best area for training in the Watauga County whole of the United States.” Beautiful scenery combines with an extensive network of rural mountain roads, many of which challenge the most avid Road Cycling cyclists. Factor in events like Blood, Sweet, and Gears that attract people from all over the country and you have a simple, yet rare, formula for a cycling haven.

The primary infrastructure element required for this recreation pursuit already exists: great roads. Since the primary focus of this plan is infrastructure development, there are only a few, but important objectives to further develop road cycling in the Cyclists throughout the East converge on the Boone Area for the spectacular Blood, Sweat, BooneB Area. and Gears ride.

Objectives 1. Develop and publish the Boone Area Cycling Map to highlight the area’s most signiﬁcant cycling routes as determined by local cycling enthusiasts. 2. In accordance with the cycling map, develop and implement a wayﬁnding signage plan that directs cyclists along designated road routes. 3. Develop a series of designated cycling parking areas throughout the County. 4. Continue to support cycling events that attract visitors from around the country.

3131 PADDLE TRAILS Traditional river access areas are being posted as Watauga Boone Access Paddle trails offer kayakers, canoeists, and tubers a County continues to grow. The Boone Access is located at the Highway 421 bridge on the east side of the Town of Boone.20 series of legal and safe areas to access navigable rivers. This river access was constructed in the late 90s when NCDOT replaced the bridge. The Town of Paddle access areas provide for parking, a place of rest Boone maintains this access area. during a paddling excursion, or simply as a pocket park where the public can enjoy easy access to Objectives waterways. The State has been working diligently 1. Partner with the Town of Boone to improve the access area by installing signage, a small during the last decade to improve public access to kiosk, and landscaping. State waterways and create well-planned paddle trails. These efforts are in response to a growing Roby Greene Access number of paddlers and broader recreation and The proposed Roby Greene Access is located nearly ﬁve (5) river miles downstream from the economic development goals. Boone Access where Roby Greene Road bridges the river. NCDOT expects to replace the bridge in 2013. The WCTDA continues to work with NCDOT and NC Wildlife Resources to incorporate 19 In 2008, the State Trails Program conducted an online survey of over 2,150 paddlers . Consider the paddle access within the bridge replacement design. this: 1. This group collectively spent nearly $950,000 in 2007 on paddling trips. Objectives The WCTDA meets with NCDOT and NCWRC to discuss the future replacement of the Roby 2. Survey participants who consider themselves avid paddlers (27%) took an average of 1. Continue to Greene Road bridge and how best to incorporate a paddle access area. nine (9) paddle trips farther than 50 miles from their home in 2007. partner with 3. Almost three-fourths (73%) of the total respondents reported being concerned with the NCDOT and quality and safety of access sites. NC Wildlife Resources to Watauga County is fortunate to have two navigable rivers. The purpose of this section is to construct outline initiatives to develop formalized paddle trails along both the New River and Watauga access. River as highlighted on Map 6: Watauga River and New River Paddle Trails (page 33). Access areas 2. Facility should be available every 3-5 river miles and at a minimum provide for parking, signage, an Improvements: information kiosk, and a boat launch. Where possible, Watauga County should provide for acquisition, shelters and bathroom facilities. parking, signage, kiosk, New River Paddle Trail river launch, The New River Paddle Trail is comprised of six (6) access areas stretching approximately 22 and miles along the South Fork New River. The trail begins at the existing Boone Access at the landscaping. Highway 421 bridge and, for the purposes of this plan, ends at the Todd Island Community Park in Ashe County. This section describes each proposed access, including: 1) Boone, 2) Roby Greene, 3) Pine Run, 4) Milton Moretz, 5) Green Valley Park, and 6) Todd Island.

19 The complete 2008 Paddle Tourism Study can be found at: www.ncparks.gov/About/docs/paddle_report.pdf. 20 This access is near the Highway 421 pedestrian underpass proposed for the South Fork Greenway (page 17).

3232 33 Exhibit 9 - Pine Run Access Proposed Improvements

Pine Run Access In 2002, when NCDOT replaced the Pine Run Road bridge, a new bridge alignment created an unusually wide right-of-way adjacent to the new bridge. This location presently serves as an informal and popular ingress and egress for boaters and tubers. This access is located nearly three (3) river miles downstream from the Roby Greene Access. The WCTDA is working with NCDOT to establish a formal paddle access at The proposed Pine Run Access serves as a popular, but informal, river access. This property is the Pine Run Road controlled by NCDOT. bridge (see Exhibit 9: Pine Run Proposed Access, page right). NCDOT has issued the WCTDA a formal letter acknowledging their willingness to participate in this project.

Objectives 1. Finalize engineering and permitting for site improvements. 2. Secure a right-of- way encroachment agreement with NCDOT. 3. Facility improvements: parking, signage, kiosk, river launch, and landscaping.

Milton Moretz Access Milton Moretz Road, located approximately four (4) river miles downstream from the Pine Run Access, provides easy access to the New River. The WCTDA continues to have conversations with landowners who own property adjacent to both Milton Moretz Road and the New River.

Objectives 1. Continue to explore an appropriate location for an access in the vicinity of Milton Moretz Road. 2. Facility improvements: acquisition, parking, signage, kiosk, river launch, and landscaping.

34 Green Valley Park Access The Green Valley Park Paddle Access is well used. Site improvements include Objectives Green Valley Park currently provides a incorporating the uniﬁed signage and kiosk facilities to be constructed at all paddle 1.Work with TCPO, NCDOT, and Ashe County to permit and develop the paddle access area. access areas, which are described in Chapter Three. formal public access area for New River 2.Facility improvements: NCDOT encroachment agreement, parking, signage, kiosk, river paddlers. The site has a boat launch launch, and landscaping. area, a parking area, and an information kiosk. Near the park’s playground and shelter, the park committee has recently Watauga River Paddle Trail constructed new restroom facilities.21 This section provides an overview of six (6) proposed paddle access areas stretching approximately ﬁfteen river miles along the Watauga River from Highway 105 near Old Shulls See Exhibit 10: Green Valley Park Proposed Mill Road to Guy Ford Road, which serves as the access for the Watauga River Gorge. This Improvements (page 36). section describes each proposed access, including: Objectives 1) Highway 105, 2) Broadstone Road, 3) Valle The Watauga River is one of the premier natural assets of 1. Work with the Green Valley Park Crucis, 4) Old Watauga River Road, 5) Upper Watauga County. Committee to improve the paddle Gorge, and 6) Lower Gorge. access area. 2. Facility improvements: improve See Map 6: Watauga River and New River Paddle parking, new signage, new kiosk, Trails (page 33). river launch, and landscaping.

Highway 105 Access Todd Island The Highway 105 Access will provide an access to The WCTDA visits the Castle Ford Road bridge replacement with Todd Island Park is an important the whitewater river section locals refers to as “Red community leaders Denny Norris and Jim Lewis in November 2010. The resource for the Todd community, bridge replacement is adjacent to Todd Island Park and will create an ideal Roof,” which parallels Highway 105 from the Old which straddles the Watauga County location for a paddle access. Watauga River Dam to the Highway 105 bridge. and Ashe County border. Todd Also known as an “after work run,” this river Island is four and a half miles section is challenging with class IV and V rapids, downstream of Green Valley Park. easily accessible, and rather short, with a distance of A canoe access currently exists near less than one river mile. The access area for this the park, but an improved access section is very popular and includes the Old should be developed as part of the Watauga River Dam area, which is a popular Castle Ford Road bridge swimming destination. The WCTDA continues to replacement. The WCTDA is have discussions with landowners along this river working alongside the Todd section. Community Preservation Organization (TCPO) and NCDOT Objectives to realize this paddle access area. 1. Continue to explore an appropriate location and willing landowner to provide a formal access area.

21 In 2009, the WCTDA granted Green Valley Park $10,000 to assist with the construction of bathrooms at the park.

353 Exhibit 10 - Green Valley Park Proposed Improvements

3636 2. Facility improvements: property lease agreement, parking, signage, kiosk, river launch, and Old Watauga River Road Access landscaping. The WCTDA continues to explore opportunities for establishing an access along the river segment that parallels Old Watauga River Road. Also, efforts must be made to construct a portage around a mill dam found along this river section. Broadstone Access An access area along Broadstone Road will provide whitewater paddlers an exit from the “Red Objectives Roof” section (see previous access description), while ﬂatwater paddlers can enter the Watauga 1. Continue to explore an appropriate location and willing landowner to provide a formal access River and begin the mild descent toward Valle Crucis. area and dam portage. 2. Facility improvements: dam portage, property lease agreement, parking, signage, kiosk, river Objectives launch, and landscaping. 1. Continue to explore an appropriate location and willing landowner to provide a formal access area. 2. Facility improvements: land acquisition, parking, signage, kiosk, river launch, and Upper Gorge Access landscaping. For many years the intersection of Highway 321 and Old Watauga River Road has served paddlers with access to the river section referred to as “section III,” but in recent years, the informal access has been posted with “no trespassing” signs. However, through the recent Valle Crucis Access generous donation of the Holton family, a three-acre tract, Watauga Gorge Park, has been The Valle Crucis access is located at provided to Watauga County for the intersection of Highway 194 and the purposes of establishing a The three-acre site for the Upper Gorge Access is secure; the WCTDA received a Old Watauga River Road, safe and legal access area (see $75,000 Recreation Trail Program grant to construct the access by 2012. approximately four river miles from Exhibit 12: Watauga River Paddle the Broadstone Access. The WCTDA Trail: Upper Gorge, page 39). continues to work with a willing landowner to lease this location. In 2010, the WCTDA received a Exhibit 11: Watauga River Paddle Trail: $75,000 grant from the North Valle Crucis Access (page 38) illustrates Carolina Recreation Trail a conceptual site plan for this Program (RTP) to construct this property. access. With the provision of three-acres, this access will serve Objectives as a small park for picnicking, 1. Finalize a lease agreement with the wading, and paddling. property owner. The proposed Valle Crucis Access is located in the heart of the Valle Crucis Historic District and provides a gentle slope leading to the Watauga River. 2. Facility improvements: parking, Objectives signage, kiosk, river launch, and 1. As required by the RTP grant, landscaping. complete the construction of the access by 2012. 2. Facility improvements: parking, shelter, signage, kiosk, river launch, and landscaping.

3737 Exhibit 11 - Proposed valle crucis access Concept plan

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39 Lower Gorge Access The Lower Watauga River Gorge Access, located at the Guy Ford Road bridge, is the preferred boat launch area for assessing world class whitewater kayaking; the renowned Watauga Gorge offers skilled boaters ﬁve miles of continuous class IV and V whitewater action. The takeout for the lower Watauga gorge run, located in Tennessee, is secured and managed by American Whitewater, a national organization dedicated to providing public access to America’s rivers. The low-water bridge on Guy Ford Road currently serves as an informal access area for boaters entering the lower Watauga River Gorge or exiting the upper Watauga River A boater drops “Hydro,” a class IV/V Watauga Gorge rapid. photo by Lynn Willis Gorge.

Objectives 1. Continue to explore opportunities for establishing a formal access area near the Guy Ford low-water bridge. 2. Facility improvements: property lease agreement, parking, signage, kiosk, river launch, and landscaping.

The Guy Ford Bridge serves as a popular, but informal access for entering the sections of class IV and V rapids of the Watauga River Gorge.

4040 ideal parking and river access areas for fishing NCWRC supported trout waters. FISHING 2. Continue to partner with NCWRC to develop paddle access areas along the Watauga and The headwaters of the Boone Area’s four major river basins produce an abundance of clean and New Rivers, which also serve anglers. cold streams. This ideal trout habitat yields tremendous fishing opportunities for both novice 3. Work with NCWRC to develop Delayed Harvest Waters along the South Fork New River and avid anglers. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) manages an adjacent to Brookshire Park/South Fork Greenway, and near the Town of Boone Greenway expansive trout stocking stream program throughout Watauga County (see Exhibit 13: Watauga and Appalachian State University’s State Farm Field complex. County NCWRC Trout Streams, page right) and surrounding counties. 4. Along with the Town of Boone, explore NCWRC trout stocking opportunities at the Winkler Creek Reservoir. Mountain trout fishing produces a tremendous tourism and Exhibit 13: Watauga county NCWRC Trout streams economic impact to the Boone Area. In 2009, NCWRC released “The

Economic Impact of Mountain Trout Fishing in North Carolina,” Angling opportunities exist on waters managed by the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although the National Park Service establishes Watauga County, North Carolina fishing regulations for parkway waters, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission aids with Blue Ridge Parkway fisheries management by stocking catchable-size trout into the following waters in Watauga County: Middle Fork of the New Legend which identifies Watauga County as one of the top five trout fishing River and Price Lake. All persons age 16 or older must possess a valid North Carolina or Virginia fishing license to fish parkway waters; please contact the Blue Ridge Parkway (828-271-4779, Ext. 200) for information regarding fishing on destinations in North Carolina. Consider these facts stated within parkway waters. County Boundary the NCWRC report22: Cities Vicinity Map TENNESSEE 88 Blue Ridge Parkway 1. In total, 92,769 mountain trout anglers fished for 1.42 Road

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C 3. The typical resident angler spends approximately $65 per e Trout Stream Regulations m v rda C o ave r Norr e eek C is B F o r k day during a trip, while the nonresident angler spends Watau C ga H r e o e w k

a r NCWRC d DESIGNATED approximately $158 per day. PUBLIC MOUNTAIN R C TROUT WATER i NO LURE RESTRICTIONS ve r r e e HATCHERY k SUPPORTED

MINIMUM SIZE - NONE DAILY LIMIT - 7 FISH Hatchery Supported Water 4. Anglers ﬁshed an estimated 625,147 days in Hatchery SEASON - FIRST SATURDAY IN APRIL TO LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY Supported Waters, 374,611 days in Delayed Harvest Water, 321 NCWRC DESIGNATED PUBLIC MOUNTAIN TROUT WATER SINGLE HOOK ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY H S B ow ou e ard th Wild Trout Water ec C Fork WILD h C ree New and 422,671 days in Wild Trout Waters. reek L k Rive MINIMUM SIZE - 7 INCHES a r DAILY LIMIT - 4 FISH u NO CLOSED SEASON re Norris Branch l C re Buckeye ek Creek 421 NCWRC Reservoir DESIGNATED PUBLIC MOUNTAIN TROUT WATER 194 W DELAYED Delayed Harvest Water ata ay HARVEST u rkw ga Delayed Harvest a OCTOBER 1 TO FOLLOWING FIRST SATURDAY IN JUNE R P ONLY SINGLE HOOK ARTIFICIAL LURES Pine Run NO TROUT MAY BE POSSESSED Coffey i 421 ALL OTHER TIMES: v S HATCHERY SUPPORTED Trout Waters REGULATIONS APPLY e t ONLY ANGLERS UNDER o AGE 16 6 A.M.- 12 P.M. r ON FIRST SATURDAY AVERY C Lake n IN JUNE e g y Beech k Boone d i The WCTDA and NCWRC have met numerous times regarding e R F e o r 105 k r Mountain C e k e e NCWRC h inkler C r lu DESIGNATED ek c W B re PUBLIC MOUNTAIN t C TROUT WATER El k SINGLE HOOK ARTIFICIAL LURES ONLY 184 u D k mutual interests for improving and expanding ﬁshing opportunities ee CATCH AND r Catch and Release/Single O C RELEASE r le NO FISH MAY BE HARVESTED OR POSSESSED k Hook Artificial Lure n NO CLOSED SEASON i throughout the Boone Area. In addition, the WCTDA has met with W

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c Memorial Park t y local ﬁshing outﬁtters and guides to further understand how the u r k L D e e a

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r w Seven o WCTDA can better serve this recreation user group. Accordingly, ne Trout k o F F r Copyright (c) 2010 North Carolina Wildlife Resources o o B a r k Lake P Devils e Commission. This map may be reproduced for individual personal l

r d e d use. It may not be bought, sold or reproduced for commercial use i iv M D the WCTDA has developed the following objectives. R u O a g without the written consent of the North Carolina Wildlife ug e ge ta Price g r C a id r C Resources Commission. W R e Lake Bass Lake e S k E Chetola Lake

Julian Price 221 e K lu Memorial Park B L Blowing WI Objectives 321 ork Rock Boone F 1. Develop and publish the Boone Area Fly Fishing Map to highlight Miles 0612 CALDWELL CO

22 The full economic impact study can be found at: http://www.ncwildlife.org/NewsReleases/index.htm.

4141 agencies, such as the NPS, to enhance (include protecting resources) existing climbing ROCK CLIMBING destinations; Climbing magazines and websites often highlight Boone as a top climbing and bouldering 3. Strive to acquire, develop, and maintain notable climbing areas; and destination. Some of the best climbers in the world, including Chris Sharma, Tommy Caldwell, 4. Ensure the protection of natural resources surrounding climbing destinations. Beth Rodden, and many others have climbed throughout the Boone Area in recent decades. Climbing in the Boone Area is well-known throughout national and international climbing Howard Knob Boulders circles. Nevertheless, considerable work is necessary to protect and further develop this The Howard Knob Boulders atop Howard Knob have the distinction of being a great climbing invaluable recreation resource. resource close to downtown Boone. This climbing area is located on private land. Efforts should Like climbers across the country and world, there remains a central concern among climbers in be made, however, to acquire public access to this expansive boulder ﬁeld with unique rock the Boone area: ACCESS. For this reason, the Boone Climbers’ Coalition (BCC) continues their quality and formations. proactive work with public land managers to preserve, protect, and expand Boone Area climbing resources. The WCTDA and Watauga County recognize the signiﬁcance and Objectives uniqueness of these resources and wholeheartedly support the efforts of the BCC to preserve 1. Continue efforts to acquire the bouldering area for public use. and expand access for area climbing destinations.

This section provides an overview of the general Holloway Mountain Crag goals of the BCC, which the WCTDA and Located along Holloway Mountain Road and on NPS Watauga County, through the adoption of this managed land, this relatively small crag is easily accessible plan, fully support.23 In addition, there is a and offers climbing opportunities for a variety of skill levels. description of the most notable Boone Area Local climbing guides, who have been issued a commercial- climbing areas, including: Howard Knob use permit by the NPS, utilize this resource to provide an Boulders, Blowing Rock Boulders, Holloway authentic climbing experience for area visitors. Because Mountain Crag, Ship Rock, The Dump, Holloway Mountain Crag provides a quality and Grandmother Boulders, Lost Cove Boulders, and approachable introduction to rock climbing, this resource Linville Gorge, and Howard Knob. See Map 7: remains a priority for BCC and Watauga County. Boone Climbing Areas (page 43). Objectives General Goals 1.Explore an additional parking area and trail connector for the Hollow Mountain Crag near the Tanawha Trail/ Utilize strong partnerships among various Mountains-to-Sea Trail (see Exhibit 4: Proposed Mountains- government agencies and local climbing to-Sea Trail Access Improvements, page 24). organizations to: 1. Ensure continued access for existing Boone Blowing Rock Boulders Area climbing destinations located on Accessed via the NCDOT rest area on Highway 221 near the public land; The Boone Area is recognized internationally as a unique bouldering and climbing destination. photo by Lynn Willis Town of Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock Boulders rest within 2. Assist state and federal government the jurisdiction of the NPS and their Moses Cone planning area. These boulders remain among

23 Local climber and BCC member, Zachary Lesch-Huie provided considerable content for this section.

4242 43 the most popular in the region with extensive climbing opportunities within a short driving distance from Boone and Blowing Rock. Due to the high-use of this area, proactive measures Grandmother Boulders should be taken to manage the climbing area. Just south of Grandfather Mountain along the Blue Ridge Parkway lies Grandmother Mountain, arguably Objectives one the premier bouldering areas in the South. The 1. Improve and maintain the trail accessing the boulders. significant quantity and quality of boulders, along 2. Improve the landing areas around the boulders to prevent erosion. with a unique and pristine natural environment, make 3. Work with NCDOT to allow parking during times when the rest area is closed. climbing at Grandmother Boulders a must for any 4. Install a kiosk at the trail head with safety and stewardship information. climber in the region. In fact, internationally renowned rock climbers Chris Sharma and Ron Kauk have Ship Rock recently visited the area. The boulders are located Located near the celebrated Linn within the NPS management area. Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Ship Rock provides both Objectives extensive rock climbing 1. Install a kiosk at the trail head with safety and opportunities and telling views of stewardship information. the Blue Ridge escarpment. Ship Rock is located within the NPS Lost Cove Boulders management area. BCC continues Located within Pisgah National Forest’s Lost Cove to assist in resource management at Wilderness Study Area, Lost Cove Boulders are known Grandmother Mountain Boulders is one of the this climbing destination by premier bouldering areas in the South. photo by Lynn for excellent rock quality and a concentration of the encouraging users to park at Willis best individual boulders in the Boone area. The area’s appropriate locations and to refrain south facing nature makes it very popular in the colder from climbing routes that months. From the small town of Linville, Lost Cove Boulders are accessed by a short trail off of negatively impact endangered Ship Rock provides an array of rope climbing opportunities, all while being exposed Roseboro Road. plant species. Easy access, to the grandeur of the Blue Ridge. photo by Matt Powell expansive climbing, and scenic beauty make Ship Rock a significant asset to the Boone Area. Linville Gorge Linville Gorge is the premier wilderness climbing area in the East. Among its numerous Objectives noteworthy natural features are Table Rock and Hawksbill, two pronounced summits on the 1. Install a kiosk at the trail head with safety and stewardship information. gorge’s east rim—thousands of feet below, the Linville River carves a 17-mile course over waterfalls and boulders. With immense variety, miles of cliffline and hundreds of climbing The Dump routes, Linville Gorge offers an abundance of opportunity for every climber. Beginning climbers have been particularly well-served by the area’s classic moderate routes. Part of the Pisgah Immediately adjacent to Hwy. 221, between Blowing Rock and Linville, the Dump (also known National Forest management area, Linville Gorge was one of the first Wilderness Areas in the as Warpin Endorphin) offers quick and easy access, along with one of the area’s only sport country designated by U.S. Congress. The area can be accessed on its east side by Hwy. 181 and climbing cliffs. A mainstay for local climbers, the area’s fun, safe, and physically challenging Table Rock Road, or on its west side by Highway 183 and Kistler Memorial Highway/Old 105. climbs attract climbers from throughout the region. The Dump is accessed via a pull-off on Hwy. 221, and is located within the Pisgah National Forest.

4444 DISC GOLF Todd Patoprsty’s putt is on target at the disc golf course in Ashe County. photo by Lynn Willis There are over 2000 disc golf courses in the US serving host to hundreds of tournaments throughout the year. This activity continues to grow and emerge as both a family-fun and highly competitive sport. This recreation activity is under-developed in the Boone Area.

There are no public courses in Watauga County, but the course in Ashe County is well-used by both locals and visitors of the Boone Area. With the development of additional courses in the Boone Area, there is potential to draw major disc golf tournaments to the region. The construction of the Ashe County course was spearheaded by the High Country Disc Golf Association, the WCTDA’s community partner for developing additional courses in the area.

The planning process did not reveal any deﬁnitive locations to construct a disc golf course. With such high land costs in Watauga County, a unique opportunity will need to arise for this project to come to fruition. To construct a premier mountain course, a minimum of approximately 40-50 acres are necessary.

Objectives 1. Work with the Town of Boone to explore the development of a disc golf course at the Winkler Creek Reservoir.

The approximately 100 acres surrounding the Winkler Creek Reservoir are conducive to establishing a premier mountain disc golf course.

4545 Chapter Three: Facility Design Small Shelter Through unique, but uniform facility design, the WCTDA can establish continuity among various outdoor recreation amenities. Whether at a mountain bike park, on a multi-use Purpose: Ideal for larger paddle access areas, or multiple small shelters can be greenway, or at a paddle trail access, a recognizable design theme will provide afﬁrmation to constructed at a major park facility. The gazebo style shelter (below right) is for recreation users that they are within the Watauga County Parks and Open Space system. With settings with quaint or long-range views. the implementation of this plan, facility design will galvanize our resources and create a user- friendly experience for our visitors. This planning element is imperative for establishing the Boone Area as a top-ten outdoor recreation destination in America.

The facility design concept incorporates a traditional Appalachian vernacular style with a distinct modern timber frame architecture. Structures will be covered with green rib metal rooﬁng. While this chapter provides only the general design schematics for each facility, complete design and construction drawings are available for review within the WCTDA’s Facility Design Manual.

The chapter includes design schematics for ﬁve types of recreation support facilities, including: 1) Gateway Entrances, 2) Shelters, 3) Kiosks and Signs, 4) Bathrooms, and 5) Gazebos.

Gateway Entrances Large Purpose: Provide entryway to a major park facility (left) or trail head (below). Shelters

Purpose: This shelter should be considered only at major park facilities.

466 Signage

Purpose: Kiosks (left) provide users with detailed information, while post signage Restrooms (below) identiﬁes a particular recreation Purpose: Provide restrooms and a storage area at major park facilities. park or facility.

47 organizations and land trusts across NC, CWMTF is recognized as a key ingredient for fulﬁlling Chapter Four: Implementation their mission. Throughout most of the Fund’s life, the NC General Assembly has provided $100 The Boone Area possesses the resources and the visionary people needed to emerge as the million annually to support the CWMTF mission. number one outdoor recreation destination in eastern America. As we implement this plan, we must have a clear understanding of the state and federal agencies that can assist with funding The economic downturn in 2008 has placed the Fund on less ﬁrm foundation, but the NC this effort. We must also address the long-term sustainability of new recreation facilities. Finally, General Assembly seems well aware of the importance of CWMTF monies to local conservation we must narrow our focus and begin to realize this plan piece by piece. efforts. There are three programs managed by CWMTF that are particularly important for the implementation of this plan, including: 1) Acquisition of Riparian Greenway Corridors, 2) Accordingly, this chapter is comprised of three major sections, including: 1) Grant Restoration and Stormwater Projects, and 3) Planning (for Acquisition, Greenways, Restoration, Opportunities, 2) Stewardship and Maintenance, and 3) Five-Year Action Plan. Stormwater, or Wastewater Infrastructure projects).

Acquisition of Riparian Greenway Corridors GRANT OPPORTUNITIES This plan proposes five multi-use greenway projects across Watauga County. Watauga County As stated in the introduction of this plan, the greater challenge for the WCTDA is not and the WCTDA will work with private landowners that are willing to donate (for tax credits) or determining how best to spend one-third of our revenue on recreation improvements, but how sell property to implement these efforts. This CWMTF program serves as a major funding source we leverage and multiply our dollars by winning grant support from organizations sympathetic whereby the WCTDA can leverage their funds to purchase these greenway corridors when to our mission. The purpose of this section is to briefly outline several of the core existing landowners are amenable. recreation and environmental grant programs that the WCTDA should aggressively solicit to assist with the implementation of this plan. These organizations include: 1) Parks and Recreation Restoration and Stormwater Projects Trust Fund, 2) Clean Water Management Trust Fund, 3) State Trails Program, and 4) NCDOT. There are waterways throughout Watauga County that are in need of restoration or enhancement to prevent erosion and the loss of land. At its core, this plan depends on clean Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) rivers and streams. This CWMTF program provides funding to ensure the stability of our riverbanks. PARTF is the State of North Carolina’s primary mechanism for funding local community recreation efforts. PARTF grants are highly competitive and require a 50% cash match from the Planning applicant. In 2010, PARTF provided $6.6 million in funding across the State; Watauga County The planning and engineering of greenway projects can be costly. This program supports the was the recipient of a $500,000 PARTF award for Rocky Knob Park. efforts of local communities to explore, identify, and develop opportunities for new greenway development. In 2010, Watauga County received a CWMTF planning grant to explore Watauga County and the WCTDA will need to complete the obligations of the current PARTF opportunities for the proposed South Fork New River Greenway. grant prior to submitting for additional PARTF funding. Thus, there should be a sense of urgency to complete the obligations for Rocky Knob Park, which, according to the current work schedule, should be fulfilled FY2011-12. Watauga County and the WCTDA should make State Trails Program preparations during FY2011-12 to submit another PARTF grant in January 2013. The State Trails Program is facilitated through the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) by the State Trails Program Coordinator. This office manages two trail Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF) grant programs, including: 1) Recreation Trails Program and 2) Adopt-a-Trail. CWMTF was created in the late 90s “with a mandate to develop a grant program to clean up impaired waters and to protect remaining pristine water of the state.”24 Among conservation

24 This statement was derived from the CWMTF website: www.cwmtf.net.

4848 Recreation Trails Program (RTP) economic input and volunteer contribution of users. The WCTDA recommends exploring the RTP is a federal trails grant program that is managed by NCDENR. Grant awards are issued in following options: an amount up to $75,000, but require a 20% match. This grant program offers a good tool for Watauga County and the WCTDA to implement foot trails, biking trails, multi-use greenways, 1. A Facility Sponsorship Program through which private businesses can place “adopted by” and paddle trails. In 2010, the WCTDA was awarded $75,000 by RTP to construct the Upper signs at various parks, trails, and greenways in return for a ﬁnancial contribution. Gorge Access, which is part of the Watauga River Paddle Trail. 2. A Commercial Permit System requiring commercial outﬁtters to purchase a permit to utilize Adopt-a-Trail public facilities for commercial guiding. Adopt-a-Trail is small grant program, which is allocated funds each year by the NC General Assembly, that offers up to $5,000 for trail construction projects. Although small, the grant 3. A Stewardship Fund, which includes funds from Facility Sponsorship and Commercial Permit application process is simple and matching funds are not required. In 2010, Rocky Knob Park System, to be utilized by both the WCTDA and Watauga County to maintain outdoor received $5,000 from this fund for phase II trail development. recreation facilities across the county.

NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) 4. Continue to forge strong relationships with community partners that provide a volunteer base for addressing ongoing facility stewardship needs. NCDOT has a signiﬁcant interest in the development of alternative transportation infrastructure. Thus, NCDOT serves as a particularly good source of funds for developing multi-use greenways projects. NCDOT funds can either be issued at the district level via discretionary funds or local governments can request to place their bike and pedestrian projects on the NCDOT State FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The preceding pages document that Watauga County is blessed with world-class natural and outdoor recreational resources. The goal of the WCTDA Recreation Plan is to coordinate and In 2010, NCDOT, through the District 11 ofﬁce, provided Watauga County with $135,000 in expand that infrastructure, to move the Boone Area beyond being "an accidental destination" for discretionary funds to assist with engineering and planning of the South Fork New River outdoor enthusiasts, to become one of the nation’s top tourism magnets for outdoor recreation. Greenway near Brookshire Park. By investing a portion of its visitor funded occupancy taxes, the WCTDA intends to leverage further outside funding to give the Boone Area a competitive edge in the enrichment of Watauga The NCDOT TIP allows local governments to submit for funding for large and/or expensive County's tourism-based economy. The following 5-year timeline outlines that effort. bike and pedestrian initiatives. For example, the greenway underpass planned at Highway 421 for the South Fork Greenway will cost $300,000 to complete. This cost is beyond the capacity of local discretionary funds and must be solicited from NCDOT in Raleigh. Watauga County and the WCTDA should be aggressive in issuing TIP requests for major greenway projects.

STEWARDSHIP AND MANAGEMENT Outdoor recreation pursuits are passive, in that unlike team sports played on county recreation ﬁelds, a dedicated staff is not necessary to orchestrate the recreation setting. Post-construction costs of a passive park or access area are primarily related to trash pick up and mowing. While the WCTDA is charged with funding the creation of recreation facilities, our mission is to also eliminate or minimize the long-term cost of these new facilities for the county. The WCTDA envisions a variety of ways to pursue the stewardship of new facilities, largely through the

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