Page 56 - High Knob Master Plan

HKRI ENTITY
When capacity for coordination exceeds the ability of the management team, speed of projects needs to be increased, and when there is a more pressing desire for formal structure, it is recommended HKRI seek status as a more formal HKRI Entity. The Entity is potentially structured as a non-profit corporation. As an example, a model non-profit entity working in a similar rural region is Pennsylvania Wilds. It is positioned to work with state agencies (such as tourism and state parks) already in place. In the HKRI Region, several very effective state agencies exist within the project area already, including Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (Spearhead), Virginia Coalfields Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) and Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority. These authorities provide:
> Status of a State Agency
> Since they are independent, can foster the political support
of all towns and counties
> Can receive capital and operating funding from the state
Because the are is saturated with these authorities, a likely status for HKRI is a cooperative non-profit corporation. HKRI Entity, will be able to operate in concert with the existing state agencies. The non-profit has these advantages:
> Status of a charitable organization
> Public Trust generally associated with non-profits
> Can receive certain grants and donations
> Can undertake voluntary efforts and community organizing efforts
Several very successful entities have this structure. For its ultimate success, HKRI must resist the urge to be housed with other non-profit agencies, state agencies, or member towns. It needs to remain visibly independent to convey independence for trust.
REGIONAL GATEWAYS & PARKWAYS
One of the first projects of the Authority, and to solidify the brand recognition when all enter or leave the High Knob Region, a system of welcome signs and gateway signs, with landscaping, is proposed at major and minor roadway entrances into the region. A parkway style of landscape is proposed on the major travel routes, which could serve to screen objective views, frame selected views, and provide a cost- share program to design signage, commercial facades, safe parking lots and other amenities with HKRI design guidelines.
USFS DIRECTION RELATED TO PUBLICLY MANAGED SITES
The USFS Forest Service Manual will apply to changes to USFS properties:
2330.2 - Objectives
1. Maximize opportunities for visitors to know and experience nature while engaging in outdoor recreation.
2. Develop and manage sites consistent with the available natural resources to provide, to the extent practicable, a safe, healthful, esthetic, non-urban atmosphere.
3. Provide a maximum contrast with urbanization at National Forest System sites.
4. Evaluate and mitigate, as appropriate and practicable, natural hazards at developed recreation sites.
2330.3 - Policy
The recreation policies in FSM 2303 and the following supplementary policies govern the development and administration of recreation sites and facilities. Where it is not possible to achieve the objectives of this chapter, consider closing sites and facilities to public use.
1. Use recreation opportunity spectrum guidelines (FSM 2310) when developing recreation sites.
2. Develop recreation sites and facilities that will provide recreation experiences toward the primitive end of the spectrum. Do not provide urban-class facilities. See exhibit 01 in this section for the classes of recreation, the development scale, and level of site modification associated with each class.
3. Use the land management planning process (36 CFR part 219 and FSM 1920 and FSM 2310) to reach decisions to develop recreation sites.
4. Develop recreation sites and facilities to enhance natural resource- based activities typically associated with a natural environment.
5. Consider cost efficiency when developing and operating recreation sites and facilities.
6. Establish priorities for the development and management of recreation sites in the following order:
a. Addressing public health and safety concerns.
b. Protecting the natural environment of the site.
c. Managing and maintaining sites and facilities to enhance users’ interaction with the natural environment.
d. Providing new development that conforms to the role of recreation opportunities on National Forest System lands.
7. Allow concession operation of Forest Service campgrounds and related recreation facilities (FSM 2340).
8. Ensure that all new or rehabilitated facilities, sites, and programs comply with Federal and Forest Service accessibility guidelines and standards (FSM 2330.12, para. 1 through para. 6). Facilities, sites, or programs are to utilize universal design (FSM 2330.5) to meet the needs of people of all abilities, to the greatest extent possible.
9. Prepare site designs and environmental assessments for all sites before undertaking construction or major rehabilitation efforts.
10. Utilize risk management assessment and management tools to make informed decisions and provide information about potential natural hazards to employees and visitors.
56 CHAPTER 8: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
HIGH KNOB REGIONAL INITIATIVE
REGIONAL INITIATIVES