Announcing “Taking the High Road—Planning, Partners, and Place Based Prosperity in the Blue Ridge Parkway Region”
An action-planning workshop building on community input gathered during the Parkway’s 75th Anniversary.
November 15—17, 2011
Crossroads Institute
Galax, Virginia
Make plans now to participate in this 3-day workshop that will provide community and business leaders with an opportunity to turn ideas gathered during the Parkway’s 75th Anniversary into action and to explore significant issues facing the region. Through case studies, presentations, exercises and work sessions, participants will develop work plans for regional implementation. Based on the highly acclaimed Gateway Training Workshops and planned in conjunction with The Conservation Fund.
Workshop Highlights:
- Examine Case Studies of Innovative Partnerships between Public Lands and Partners
- Identify Regional Collaborative Strategies
- Introduction of New Economic Impact and Vitality Index Tools
- Protect Community Character (featuring public presentation by Ed McMahon)
- Access Information regarding Financing Strategies
- Explore Interdisciplinary Approach to Strategic Conservation Planning
- Participate in Action Planning Work with Parkway Staff
- Identify Regional Approaches to Wayfinding and Connectivity
Potential Participants Include:
- Community Leaders
- Engaged Citizens
- Elected Officials
- Business Owners
- Tourism Partners
- Planning Council Members
- Parks and Recreation Managers
- Land Managers
- Economic Development Professionals
- Anyone interested in Community Development
Important Dates to Remember:
September 30—Participant Applications Due
October 10—Confirmation of workshop acceptance
Direct Questions or Scholarship Inquiries to:
Leesa Brandon, Community & Partnerships Coordinator, Blue Ridge Parkway—828.348.3420 or send an email.
Don’t miss out on your chance to save on these beautiful limited edition 75th Anniversary Serigraphs. We’re down to less than 200 and once they’re gone they’re gone!
Purchase 1 serigraph for 10% off at $67.50 (regular $75.00), or purchase 2 or more serigraphs for 15% off at $63.75 each. Save on your 75th Anniversary Serigraph today!
Sale ends at 11:59 pm, Friday, February 11, 2011.
Due to popular demand a patch bearing the Official Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary logo has been created!
This official 75th Anniversary product is now available online at the Virtual Blue Ridge Bookstore and in visitor centers along the Parkway.
Don’t forget that proceeds from the sale of all 75th Anniversary products directly benefit the Blue Ridge Parkway and BRP 75th Anniversary programs.
Other Official 75th Anniversary products include:
» Browse all Official Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary merchandise
After 34 years with the National Park Service, Phil Francis was appointed Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway in November 2005. In his many years of service Phil has worked in the Shenandoah, Yosemite, and Great Smoky Mountains national parks.
Throughout his tenure with the NPS Phil has received numerous awards and recognitions including winning the Department of Interior’s Meritorious Award, being listed in the Congressional Record in 2006, and having a new species to science named after him by the Discover Life in America organization in appreciation for his support of their projects. Read more »
L-R: Leesa Brandon, executive director of Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Inc; Anne Whisnant, author-historian and Foundation trustee; Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis; Senator Joe Sam Queen; Houck Medford, Foundation executive director.
A co-operative and non-partisan tour de force of North Carolina senators and representatives has resulted in recognition for the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th anniversary. Bill sponsors, Representatives Rapp, Tarleton, Haire, and Frye commended to the general house body on June 29 House Bill 1655, a resolution honoring the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. All the primary house bill sponsors spoke eloquently on the floor in favor of the bill. It passed unanimously and was carried by special courier to the senate which was also meeting in evening session.
The bill was commended by Senators Queen and Goss. The resolution passed unanimously.
Attending from the National Park Service and Parkway partner groups were Reid Wilson, Conservation Trust for North Carolina; Anne Whisnant, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation; Leesa Brandon, Blue Ridge Parkway 75th, Inc,; Houck Medford, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation; and Superintendent Phil Francis.
