Rural Economic Development Pilot Program
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Pinelands Rural Economic Development Pilot Program MULLICA RIVER PRESERVATION CORRIDOR IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM Final Report Whiteman &Taintor January 2000 hMW Table of Contents 1. Overview of Strategy ........................................... ~ ...................... 2 2. A Vision for the Mullica River Heritage Corridor ......................... 3 3. Implementation Strategy ........................................................... 4 A. Staff/Organization ................................................................................... 6 B. Planning and Zoning .............................................................................. 10 C. Infrastructure ........................................................................................ 14 D. Marketing .............................................................................................. 24 E. Site-Specific Development ...................................................................... 28 F. Education and Outreach ........................................................................ 30 ~. ~1l1ll1ll;L~ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••~ ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ~1 Appendix A. Establishing a Monitoring Program ........................... 33 Appendix B. Additional Resources ................................................ 35 A. Publications ........................................................................................... 35 B. Web Sites ............................................................................................... 36 C. Other ..................................................................................................... 37 Appendix. C. Resource Guides ....................................................... 38 1 1. Overview of Strategy Pilot Program Process This strategy is a companion piece to the Tourism Township Applications Accepted Analysis that was prepared earlier this year (March By Pinelands Commission 1999) for the Mullica River Heritage Corridor. 1 Both documents, as well as a Background Report, were + prepared by Whiteman & Taintor as part of the Interviews & Public Pinelands Rural Economic Development Pilot Program. Workshop The Pilot Program was authorized and funded by the New Jersey State Legislature in August 1997. The goal of the Pilot Program is to help rural Pinelands municipalities identify and plan for types of economic Background Report development that are compatible with requirements for land use throughout the Pinelands. The initial Background Report laid the foundation for the analyses that followed by presenting data on key Public Workshop indicators of regional and local socio-economic health such as tax rates, population, educational attainment, home prices, household income, occupational mix, and unemployment. Findings from the data were then Economic Development used in conjunction with information gathered during Strategy community interviews and public meetings to establish directions for economic development strategies. The March 1999 Strategy provided a detailed examination E.D. Committee of local conditions, including area attractions and Meeting tourism data, to generate strategic recommendations for facility and business development, and marketing. These recommendations were then presented to the Implementation Strategy community for comment. This implementation strategy provides detailed plans for the fmal recommendations, including necessary steps, responsibilities, timeframes, and resources. The Public Workshop strategy begins with an overall vision for the Mullica River Heritage Corridor, followed by discussion of specific action items. A separate appendix contains suggestions for monitoring progress, tips on Townships Implement organization and community involvement, and resources for additional information. The Economic Development Strategy defmed the Mullica River Heritage Corridor as stretching from Tuckerton Seaport to Batsto. Based on a review of the tourism product offered by competing destinations (e.g., Cape May, NJ and Bucks County, PA), the Strategy recommended that the Corridor position itself as uncommercialized, untouristy, undeveloped, and uncrowded. Key themes to draw on include the area's maritime history and outstanding natural resources. The villages of New Gretna, Lower Bank, Green Bank, and Sweetwater can serve as centers for visitor services. 1 Note: The strategies for Route 30 in Mullica Township are discussed in separate documents. 2 The following vision statement captures the potential future for the Mullica River Heritage Corridor that might result from full implementation of this strategy. The vision statement reflects community priorities as expressed during the course of the Pilot Program, and is followed by plans for specific actions. 2. A Vision for the Mullica River Heritage Corridor The Mullica River Corridor will become one of the premier sustainably managed eco-tourism destinations in the State of New Jersey and among the top eco-travel destinations along the East Coast. In the future, travelers along the Atlantic Coast will seek to experience the Mullica River along with other notable eco-destinations such as the less developed portions of the Everglades, the Outer Banks of ~.<>rth Carolina, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, . the Delaware Bay, outer Cape Cod, and the Kennebeck River and the Blue Hills in Maine. Each of these areas offers an unspoiled and different perspective on the heritage of the Atlantic Coast. Each offers a view of what the seaboard was like before the megalopolis began. Each is part of the shore route for small boats traveling up and down the coast. The Mullica River - from Batsto to the Bay - offers an equally compelling and interesting story, and an equally tranquil alternative from the urbanization of the coast. The challenge, however, is to both protect the resource and to use it in an intelligent and sustainable way to benefit the economies of the communities along its banks. In many places in the United States, this strategy would be the starting point for creation of a quality environmental travel experience, which would then quickly escalate into a tourism free-for-all as businesses and communities sought to maximize revenues and development potential. The Pinelands stands out as one of the few places in the nation where an environmentally-oriented tourism strategy can be put in motion and controlled. While revenues and profits may not reach the same levels as would occur under more intensive development schemes, the character of the place will be protected, and economic and environmental sustainability ensured over the long term. The Mullica River Heritage Corridor will offer a high-quality, one-of-a-kind experience that establishes an educational and physical gateway to the serenity of the Pinelands. The implementation effort will be led by a long-term, public private partnership that will develop and differentiate the Corridor's travel product, ensure long-term environmental health, and build support for state and regional efforts to manage the river and its resources. Among the area's distinguishing features will be: • Creation of a scenic byway linking roads within the Corridor to the Coastal Heritage Trail. The scenic byway will make visitors aware that they are in a special place and allow them to explore the region at their own pace. The installation of boundary signage will be a key first step in delineating and unifying the Corridor. 3 • Related to the byway effort will be the design and implementation of a comprehensive interpretive program involving points of interest from the Great Bay to Batsto. Through attractive and informative wayside exhibits, signs, kiosks, new and revitalized visitor centers, and a Corridor map, visitors will be able to develop an appreciation and understanding of the region's historical and ecological significance. Visitors will also be encouraged to participate in a variety of stewardship activities during their visits or after they return to their homes. These activities will both work to improve the health of the ecosystem and build a long-term constituency of supporters. • Modest levels of infrastructure development and conversion of outmoded or vacant buildings in existing villages will allow for expansion and development of eto-tourism related businesses including restaurants, bed and-breakfasts, and guide/outfitting services. In addition to complying with existing requirements for wastewater management, businesses will be encouraged to operate within a comprehensive framework for environmental sustainability, including for' example, installation of efficient heating and cooling systems; recycling of cooking, cleaning, and bath water; development of non-auto-dependent trails; and inclusion of regionally grown food and food products in local restaurant menus. This framework not only serves to protect the environment, but also differentiates businesses in the Corridor from surrounding communities. Where possible, sustainable practices should be visibly demonstrated to the public. A concise brochure will be developed for visitors and others to explain the guiding principles and highlight participating businesses. • New public-private partnerships will coordinate and guide overall development and marketing of the Corridor. They will also provide direct support and advocacy for the enhancement of state park facilities and other regional resources (e.g., Tuckerton Seaport and the Jacques Cousteau Estuary Center). In addition to serving as destination