Rivers, trails and greenway corridors have long been recognized for the environmental protection and recreational values they provide and for adding to the aesthetic appearance of a region. Trails allow access to the natural world for study, photography, hunting, fishing, camping relaxing and solitude. Trails also provide routes to work, school, the grocery or wherever else daily responsibilities may lead, without the expense and environmental damage of automotive transportation. In addition, these corridors also have the potential to create jobs, enhance property values, expand local businesses, attract new or relocating businesses, increase local tax revenues and promote a local community. Southwest Virginia is fortunate to have many of the most attractive landscapes in the country.
Tourism holds great promise for our region.
It is our greatest untapped economic resource and our fastest growing industry. We have Virginia s best outdoor experience, with the highest mountains, most interesting rivers and superb hunting, camping, fishing, hiking backpacking, bicycling and horseback riding opportunities. With the rare treasures of Virginia s natural heritage which we possess in abundance, we have much to offer visitors. While tourism is the Ninth District s fastest growing industry, we have only begun to realize its large potential. National Trails Day offers an opportunity to showcase many of the Ninth District s outdoor opportunities, and I am pleased that there will be several National Trails Day events that will feature the region s pathways.