Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Finding the Fulcrum: Reclamation of the Appalachian identity through the transition from an exogenous resource extraction based economy to an endogenous tourism, knowledge and health based economy
Session Abstract or Summary
This regional Appalachian panel will explore change in the economic development model occurring as the result of a complex coordination between academic, business and political leaders, hence the composition of this panel. The impetus for that change - the lever – is the positive economic impacts that that panel members continue to see from outdoor recreational development. This lever not only brings economic advantage, it displaces practices with negative consequences. The economic infrastructure that comes along with a resource extraction economy tends to increase morbidity and mortality in local populations, as well as inflicting varying degrees of environmental degradation. In contrast, the investment in outdoor recreational infrastructure generally results in improvements in those same measures. The fulcrum will be unique to each community and be determined by local assets and the local political climate. The panel will present case studies that involve development of cycling routes and walking trails, white water access or rock climbing opportunities; whatever it is that is available to a particular Appalachian community. Along another dimension, it might involve the creation of businesses and non-profits to remove economic barriers to local participation in the available outdoor opportunities. Examples include jobs generated by cycling routes and walking trails, youth health related fitness from adventure sports, and the creation of bicycle kitchens and mountain bike leagues from community investment in trails. The panel concludes with an assertion that the Appalachian identity can be reclaimed with an intimate connection to this unique environment.
Presentation #1 Title
Finding the Fulcrum: Reclamation of the Appalachian identity through the transition from an exogenous resource extraction based economy to an endogenous tourism, knowledge and health based economy
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Youth health related fitness from adventure sports
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Louisa Marie Summers, Professor of Exercise Science, Eastern Kentucky University
Presentation #2 Title
Economic impact of rail-to-trail conversion
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
Economic impact of rail-to-trail conversion
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Kevin Costello, Director of Tourism and Economic Development Washington County and Abingdon Virginia
Presentation #3 Title
The creation of bicycle kitchens and mountain bike leagues from community investment in trails
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
The creation of bicycle kitchens and mountain bike leagues from community investment in trails.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Dave Walsh, Business Owner of Best of Virgina Bike Tours and social entrepreneur, Roanoke, Virgina
Presentation #4 Title
Multi-county and multi-state trails,route and and loops
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
Multi-county and multi-state trails,route and and loops
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Peter H, Hackbert is the Director of the Entrepreneurship for the Public Good Program at Berea College, Board member of the Friends of the Boone Trace
Finding the Fulcrum: Reclamation of the Appalachian identity through the transition from an exogenous resource extraction based economy to an endogenous tourism, knowledge and health based economy
Youth health related fitness from adventure sports
