Importance of Greenways

There are many reasons to create and maintain greenways and trails in our region. The unique combination of economic growth and environmental
sustainability make greenways and trails an intelligent and responsible investment, as demonstrated by: Gateway Communities We can increase
geotourism in local communities by connecting Southwest Virginia with Northwest Tennessee through establishing an extensive recreational
thoroughfare, attracting both local visitors and tourists from other regions of the country. Lodging and food resources would be necessary to
accommodate the influx of bikers, hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers, thus further supporting local economies. To learn more about the
long-term economic impact of this type of investment, see: Virginia Creeper Trail: An Assessment of User Demographics, Preferences, and Economics,
2004.

Quality of Life

We can make a good thing even better. Citizens of our region enjoy abundant natural resources. Building an interconnected trail system would provide
greater opportunities for exercise and recreation. Furthermore, as quality of life increases, health care costs drop. Industrial Recruitment Corporations
find it more attractive to locate in a region that supports its citizens in their pursuit of a healthy, active lifestyle. This decreases the cost of employee health
insurance, and the citizens themselves benefit from more than simply making intelligent decisions regarding their own health and happiness.

By partnering with local governments, agencies, and non-profit organizations we can effect dramatic change throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest
Virginia. Our vision can be achieved through working with local communities, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the National Forest Service, the National Park
Service, the Appalachian Regional Commission, First Tennessee Development, Black Diamond Development District, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Trust for
Public Land, and others. While this is a bold proposal requiring widespread cooperation and effort, there will be immeasurable benefit in considering the quality
of life for us and for future generations.

Importance of a Trail

TRAIL PROJECTS Counties: Carter: Hiking, Walking Greene: Hiking, Biking, Horseback Hawkins: Paddling Johnson:Johnson County Trail Assoc., Horseback Sullivan:
Greenbelt, Hiking, Biking, Paddling, Horseback Washington: Tweetsie Trail, Buffalo Mt. Trails, Biking, Walking Unicoi: Linear Trail,