Tabor City tribune. (Tabor City, N.C.) 1946-1991, 1963-01-23
BY L. G.. HAMILTON
Clemson Extension
Information SpeciaIiSt

this in mind when it made
provisions for loans to devc-
lop recreational resources or
farms.
The program is described b,
the United States Department
OF Agriculture as the most far
reaching attempt since the
l93OS To create a new eco
nomic opportunity for farmers
and to erase waSteful patterns
of land use.
Under the law qualified
farmers may borrow from the
Farmers Home Administva-
ton to finance such things as
camping grounds. swimming
pools, tennis courts, riding
stables, vacation cottages.
lodges. lakes and ponds for
water sports. docks, nature
trails. picnic grounds and
hunting preserves.
The new law assumes there
Is a potential market for rural
recreation due to rapid in
crease in city residents. A re-
cent department release esti-
mated the country will need
% million more acres of re-
irrational land by 1880. They
say private lands should be
tapped for much of this in
crease.
We are wondering what this
new program means, in terms
of opportunity. to South Caro-
lima landowners. For the an
Swer we've contacted J. V.
McElveen, Clemson agricult-
ural economist who is now
evaluating a trial survey On
the subject, and .. w. Lloyd.
rural areas development spc-
vialist for the Clemson Co.
lege Extension Service.
There is certainly an OPP
portunity for developing rural
rccreational facilities for sell
ing to city people," McEi-
vccn says.
But you'll have to rcmcm-
Der we're about thousand
miles from the great popula-
ton concentrations around
New York and Chicago.
There's question of how ia
people will travel for the par
ticular fun facilities you have
in mind
ITS true our own urban
centers in the Southeast arc
growing rapidly. There is an
increasing demand for space
and facilities for relaxation,
sports, and hunting.
But to a large extent, rural
recreation in South Carolina is
still thought of as free COM
modify"
However, McElveen says
things are changing. It's hard
TO find a place to hunt, toI
instance. unless you don't
mind being a poachcr. The
rapid growth of hunting clubs
in which hunters lease thei.
own hunting preserves may be
an evolutionary movement TO-
ward selling more rural re-
creation
The Scashurc from SavaE-
nah to Cherry Grove Offer
plenty of potential for free
fishing, boating, and swim
ming. Add 10 this about 2j.-
900 farm ponds and large
number Of public lakes ano
the potential for selling fish
ing rights is greatly diminish
ed.
But in the case Oi the Grand
Strand area. AL immense tour
list business now exists in
housing and services.
As a by-prOduct Of the
greater interest in fishing al
estimated 2 million dollar BAT
business has grown up-moSt
ly since World War II. Thi.
may be indicative Cf the uu-
tential offered in selling re-
creation.
Lloyd says most rural re.
creation sold in this state III
TO this time has been hunting
Many farmers, especially II
the Low Country, provide land
game, dogs. guides, and some
times board and meals &c
hunters. But private owner
ship Of camping facilities IN
the mountains and along the
Seashore is extensive. He
thinks the number and variety
Of facilities and services will
grow.
Perhaps it's not as general
ly known, but certain non
profit associations and public