Native Americans and European settlers used the ancient waterways of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) for commerce and trade. Today this 740-mile recreation trail echoes the past by providing both an economic stimulus for businesses and outdoor adventure along its path.
USDA Rural Development has supported the trail’s recreation and development efforts through three states since 2008 ‘ with Rural Business Enterprise Grants of $290,000 in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. These funds have been used to assist small businesses, create regional linkages, work on product development, promote tourism near the trail route and ensure sustainability for the future.
‘We are committed to helping generate economic opportunities in rural communities and recreation will play a critical role in this effort,’ said Molly Lambert, State Director for USDA Rural Development in NH/VT. ‘Outdoor recreational activities, like paddling The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, represent real opportunity to stimulate rural economies.’
Cutting a route from New York to Maine, the trail is made up of 22 rivers and streams and 56 lakes and ponds. Forty-five communities benefit from its passage, which was officially completed in the spring of 2006.
A key part of the tourism promotion along or near the route will be the development of itineraries and packages, which link local businesses and paddlers. While a through-trip of the trail is possible, the real audience for the packages are recreational users, who might dip into the trail on a smaller scale.
Itineraries such as the two-day ‘Northeast Kingdom Peddle and Paddle’ in Vermont feature paddling on the scenic Clyde River and off-road cycling at the world-famous Kingdom Trails network in East Burke. At the same time they link the businesses, hotels, restaurants and outfitters in the region.
‘There is great potential for recreational tourism to play a valuable role in the more diverse economy that is emerging in the Northern Forest Region,’ said Kate Williams, Executive Director of the NFCT. ‘It is a win win when paddler services along our route are highlighted and enhanced ‘ paddlers benefit, as do the communities.’
USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure, and facilities programs. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. To learn more about USDA Rural Development programs visit the web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/vt.
Source: USDA. Montpelier, VT, July 9, 2010 ‘
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Canoe Trail receives gets $300,000 for recreation and tourism promotion
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