Paint Creek Scenic Trail

Lower Paint Creek Watershed Association, Inc.

Paint Creek Scenic Trail Click to see

The Lower Paint Creek Watershed Association, Inc. (LPCWA) is a participating organization in the Paint Creek Scenic Byway program. Listed below is the Vision Statement, Purpose Statement, and Byways Planning Process Narrative/Issues.

Vision Statement

Our Vision for the Paint Creek Scenic Byway is one of economically, environmentally and physically healthy communities which provide travelers with sites and activities that will encourage the understanding and enjoyment of Paint Creek’s natural, historic, and cultural heritage.

We will encourage repeat visitation by marketing, interpreting and providing an integrated and well-developed travel experience in a friendly, safe and comfortable environment.

Our commitment is to make Paint Creek a “destination” in the region. We will strive to deliver a variety of quality travel experiences and accommodations which will attract recreational, heritage, leisure and adventure travelers of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Purpose Statement

The Purpose of the Paint Creek Scenic Byways is to provide visitors with a unique, healthy, safe and relaxing alternative to travel along the Interstate 64/77 Corridor.

This initiative seeks to create economic development for the communities and businesses along Paint Creek by promoting the natural beauty and varied recreational opportunities along its course while telling the complex and significant story of the role that the region and its people have played in both the history of West Virginia and the United States.

Byways Planning Process Narrative/Issues

ENHANCEMENT

Fayette, Kanawha and Raleigh counties already have established tourism industries with developed and accessible sites marketed on a regional basis. Major transportation corridors move visitors to these sites via US Route 19 and Interstate 64/77. Paint Creek and its resources are easily accessible these corridors.

From its headwaters in Raleigh County to the mouth at the Kanawha River, Paint Creek parallels county roads which are accessible to major transportation routes. Unlike these high volume interstate corridors, visitors are able to come into more intimate contact with the recreational, scenic, natural, cultural and historical opportunities along Paint Creek. Based upon what is already in place and available along Paint Creek visitors can fish, boat, bike and camp. They can travel along a route which reflects Native American, agricultural and mining histories. At an unhurried pace, visitors can experience small town life and local culture and events. This plan for Paint Creek Scenic Byways provides for alternative visitor experiences in the region while augmenting and expanding upon existing efforts.

We project that enhancements would be in the form of infrastructure improvements, tourism initiatives, and development of future planning and might include, but not be limited to, the following:

upgrades to existing traffic pullouts and development of additional areas

which ensures the safety of visitors accessing recreational and scenic areas

improvements and maintenance of the Scenic Byway Corridor

development of visitor amenities including camping, parking, restrooms, water, etc.

development of an interpretive and marketing plans which would provide informational products such as maps, brochures, informational kiosks and signs telling the story of Paint Creek

initiating, building, and developing partnerships between local and county, state, regional and federal entities

improvement of access to hiking trails, fishing areas and scenic areas

increased business development and jobs related to tourism

trash pickup and beautification projects

PROTECTION

Community organizations will be asked to supply ideas and developmental strategies, thereby securing protection by having a stake in the outcome of the by-way. In turn, they will be encouraged to participate which will encourage future interest and participation.

We believe that this proposal and the subsequent planning involved should promote sustainable economic growth. Appropriate and proportional development should be determined by the citizens and communities along the route and strive to encourage promotion and protection of the intrinsic qualities which attract visitors.

MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Management issues may include:

developing and maintaining community support

developing and maintaining funding

developing and maintaining an actively engaged Byways committee OUTLINE

FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

I.     Form permanent committee to draft governing by-laws within 120 days
II .   Select name for trail
III.   Contact organizations and business for support
IV.  Steering Committee will select board members to craft development strategies and seek to foster continuing support

If you would like more information on other communities or organizations participating in the Paint Creek Scenic Byway program please click on the following link Communities or Organizations Participating.

PO Box 45
Gallagher, WV 25803
Email: info@lowerpaintcreek.com
Web Site: www.lowerpaintcreek.com