Resource Links
Below is a list of resource links that will provide further information pertinent to Southwest Virginia and the Clinch River:
Clinch River Ecological Campus
The Clinch River Ecological Campus (CREC) aims to provide ecological education and research opportunities tied with theClinch River, while promoting economic revitalization in the heart of Southwest Virginia. The Clinch River is one of the most diverse freshwater watersheds and is of vital importance to the community, wonder. Its location in the Appalachian coalfields creates a challenge amidst opportunity. The CREC:Feasibility Study and Master Plan outlines the plan for this project.
Save Our Towns: A Year of Following Cleveland, Virginia
Follow the progress of Cleveland, VA as it uses a $2 million grant award to revitalize a town of 178 people. This video summarizes a year of ups and downs in the towns journey to fulfill its potential.
More videos about their adventure can be found here.
HydroLIT: Southeast Tennessee Water Quality Playbook
Students and Asst. Professor Brad Collett in University of Tennessee’s School of Landscape Architecture have written and published HydroLIT: Southeast Tennessee Water Quality Playbook, a regional toolkit for water quality. HydroLIT (short for hydrologic literacy) highlights the relationship between the quality of regional water resources—streams, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and groundwater—and urban, suburban and rural systems and proposes innovative water quality improvement strategies to inform future planning in the region. Find the complete handbook here.
Currently on the Clinch
Currently on the Clinch is a series of articles developed by CRVI’s Water Quality Action Group. It provides updates on the current conditions of the Clinch River and its progress towards healthy improvement. The first issue can be found here.
Funding Sources for Infrastructure Improvements and Downtown Revitalization
There are several funding providers that have helped CRVI and the counties within the Clinch River Valley. These sources help with creating access points, educational opportunities, facilitation and much more. The Clinchis quickly becoming a travel destination and progress is still being made. The Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Housing and Community Development have several resources available for those in the Clinch and like communities. A fact sheet has been created outlining those funding sources and is available here. Information about their Water Quality Improvement Cost-Share program is available here. Click to identify your Virginia watershed from the maps linked below.
Small Town Economic Development Case Studies
The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center at the University of North Carolina has published case studies in small town community economic development. The publication is called “Smatt Towns: Big Ideas.” This publication includes some examples of CRVI towns. This resources can be found here.
“Greensville, Kentucky: An Economy Revitalized Through Downtown Investment” is a case study which describes how rural regions and small towns across the country are growing local and regional economies and creating stronger communities. This series shows how communities can leverage a wide range of tools and resources to build on their assets, protect their resources, and make strategic investments that offer long-term benefits. For more information, visit http://www.rural-design.org
The Economic, Social, Ecological Benefits of Open Space and Land Conservation (information provided by DCR)
Benefits of Open Space
Shenandoah National Park Study on the Benefits of Park
Benefits of Parks and Recreation in Micklenburg County
Culture and Community
“Using Historic & Cultural Resources to Build Sustainable Rural Communities” is a report that examines how improving existing infrastructure and capitalizing on historic cultural resources can revitalize a rural community’s economy. For more information, visits http://www.rural-design.org
Natural Education
NatureExplore.org is recommended for communities seeking to instill nature and a sense of outdoor activity in]to the lives of their residents. It contains design information, workshops, and community grants to name just a few items of interest and benefit to our rural communities.
Regional Examples
The Duck River Watershed Association in Tennessee works to preserve and protect the Duck River and restore the biodiversity of the watershed. This is a similar initiative, and the DRWA is trying to create a Blueway with access points along the trail.
The Coal River Group in West Virginia works to preserve and promote the Coal River Watershed and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation on the river.
Regional Business Opportunities
Accelerating Appalachia is a first of its kind nature-based business accelerator, is currently recruiting sustainable agriculture, agro-forestry, natural textiles, clean energy and other nature-focused entrepreneurs and businesses that are looking to grow their enterprise.
This is a 12-week intensive business acceleration session in the fall of this year, culminating in two peer-selected businesses receiving an investment of at least $50,000 each.
Video of Southwest Virginia Ecology
This video gives an excellent overview of southwest Virginia’s immense ecological and biological diversity. The video is produced and directed by Richard Kretz, a Southwest Virginia nature photographer. Thanks to Mr. Kretz for allowing us to share his video on this site. Please click on the link below to watch the video.
October 4th Meeting
River Place on the Clinch is a powerpoint presentation given by Lindy Turner from River Place on the Clinch. The presentation was given at our October 4th Strategic Planning for Outdoor Recreation and Downtown Revitalization on the Clinch meeting,
Activities in Area:
American Whitewater : Provides example of recreational activity on Clinch River
Appalachian Farmers Market Association: Clinch River Farmers Market
Clinch River Fishing
Clinch River Trails
Cr Outfitters: East Tennessee’s Premier Fly Fishing Shop and guide service
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries: Fishing Opportunities
The Heart of Appalachia: SW Virginia Tourism Authority
Jacksonsun.com – News article providing tourism resources
Lonesome Pine Cycling
River Place on the Clinch: Tourism information on Kyle’s Ford in East Tennessee
Scott County: Our website features information under Eco-Tourism as well as information about the regions only outfitter Clinch Valley Outfitters
St. Paul, Virginia: Information on activities to do along the Clinch River in St. Paul
Clinch River Days: Info about Clinch River Days Festival
Informational:
Appalachian Regional Commission: Federal-state partnership aimed at sustaining communities and economic development in the larger Appalachian region
Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC): Highest Rates of Leisure-Time Physical Inactivity in Appalachia and South
DNH Clinch River: Describes the fauna of the Clinch River
Silvicultural Water Law: this is a civil law enforced by VDOF through the Administrative Processes Act and is used when non-compliance is found with sediment entering streams or likely to enter streams. The process consists of informing the operators of issues, giving them an opportunity to correct the issues, and then issuing orders if needed to correct followed by fines that can be levied against both the operator and the landowner after a formal conference has been held.
The Clinch River in Cedar Bluff Contains a Unique Species of Freshwater Mussel by James K. McGlothlin.
Landscope America: Gives a general overview in light of the area’s biological diversity
Nature Conservancy: Description of Clinch Valley Program
Riparian Buffer Tax Credit: Process administered by VDOF where landowners can claim a tax credit for the value of timber left along a stream and not harvested in conjunction with a regular timber harvest over the adjoining area. The buffer claimed has to be maintained for 15 years, must be at least 35 feet wide but not greater than 300 feet, and at least 50% crown cover must remain following the harvest.
Rural Community Based Webinars: Each webinar covers critical topics in community engagement, rural design, partnership development, and workshop planning.
Southwest Virginia Online: General information on SW Virginia and surrounding resources/opportunities.
Streamline Magazine: A quarterly magazine published by the Virginia Rural Water Association.
Urban & Community Forestry Assistance Programs: Encourages projects that promote tree planting, the care of trees, the protection and enhancement of urban and community forest ecosystems, and education on tree issues in cities, towns and communities across the nation.
A View from the Clinch: A Blog about the history, culture, and beauty of the Clinch.
Virginia Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries: Describes the river itself & ecological resources
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries:Clinch River Biologist Reports
Virginia Rural Water Association: Provides professional development, assistance, and training for our members that enhances the proficiency of their operations through education and support services. They also publish a quarterly magazine called Streamline magazine (listed above).
Watershed Health in the Clinch and Powell River System
Treasure in Our Backyard: Clinch and Powell River System
The Washington Times: Article on Heartwood from July 1, 2012
Wikipedia