Sunday, August 23, 2009
Raising the James River's profile
The latest from The Ticker blog
The "Mighty James" begins near Iron Gate at the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson rivers.
"A lot of people in Roanoke don't even know the James River is here," said John Mays, 38, co-owner with twin brother Dan of Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan.
Many residents of the Roanoke Valley think first of the New River, he said, when contemplating canoeing, kayaking, fishing or tubing.
"We're closer than the New River and less dangerous," he said.
The Mays brothers, as well as Kevin Costello, tourism director for Botetourt County, and members of an advisory committee, believe an Upper James River Blueway Trail could help raise the river's profile -- something that might be mixed news for regular users but useful for efforts to promote the region's outdoors opportunities.
"If you want to look at something that could help boost economic development and bring people to the area, the blueway could play an important role," John Mays said.
As envisioned, the Upper James River Blueway Trail, a water-based trail system, would cover a 45-mile stretch of river in Botetourt County, including 14 miles designated as a Virginia Scenic River. With information kiosks, a Web site, perhaps another public boat landing or two, the possible addition of a campground and other enhancements, the blueway could bring people to the river from far and wide, Costello said.
A strategic plan suggests it could "combine recreation, conservation, tourism and education while preserving the natural, historic and cultural resources along the river."
Costello said Scott Martin, Franklin County's director of commerce and leisure services, has shared advice gleaned from Martin's experience with the Upper Pigg River Blueway.
Botetourt County and grant funding have helped move the project forward, Costello said. He hopes a brochure, a Web site and informational kiosks at all six public access points will be in place by the end of March or early April.
