This resource guide for rural communities identifies resources that develop the recreation economy. Growing and maintaining a healthy recreation sector that benefits residents over the long term requires balancing natural resource management, conservation efforts, infrastructure investment, business development, and many other factors. It also requires active stakeholder engagement, a robust understanding of potential challenges and opportunities, collaboration among various levels of government and landowners, and a strong plan for the region’s future. These efforts present unparalleled economic opportunities—to revitalize main street, preserve cultural heritage, support entrepreneurship and small business growth, reinvest in communities and more.
