NCGrowth’s Field Guide to Blueways: Leveraging Natural Assets for Economic Development | March 2021

• 2021

• The southeast is home to first-class paddling opportunities for every type of outdoor enthusiast. From whitewater rapids to coastal islands and everything in between, communities can leverage their unique natural characteristics to provide an environmental and cultural asset that supports not only local recreation but also brings in visitors and connects them to the community. With the impacts of COVID-19, travel plans are rapidly shifting to focus on outdoor recreation and locations within driving distance, which means new opportunities for the Carolinas. Finally, leveraging waterways into community and economic assets can help boost local support and, in flood-prone areas, can help communities overcome barriers by creating a positive community asset from one that traditionally has only caused problems. Creating paddle trails, also known as blueways, is a strategy that helps to improve visitor experience, preserve the environmental integrity of the area, and leverage the paddle trail to increase awareness and connection to surrounding communities. Blueways, and outdoor recreation, in general, help improve the health and quality-oflife for residents and can attract visitors and new businesses to an area. Rural communities, in particular, have the unique ability to leverage their abundant natural resources in a sustainable way for economic development. Unfortunately, blueway creation is more challenging than simply installing a sign and hopping on the water. There are many factors to consider during the planning process, like stakeholder engagement, creating a managing organization, and funding the blueway. Building access sites and ensuring user safety involves careful consideration and design. Ensuring that the river stays usable and clean is an additional challenge that becomes more important as the blueway becomes more popular. Finally, the planning process must consider ways to effectively leverage the blueway for economic development by connecting it to local communities.