Through a $1.2M Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER Grant, the West Virginia Community-driven Outdoor Recreation Economy (WV CORE) Initiative is set to grow West Virginia’s outdoor economy by supporting local businesses, non-profits, and communities.
West Virginia’s outdoor economy is on the rise, with outdoor recreation contributing over $9 billion annually to the state’s economy. The CORE Initiative will leverage this momentum and address key areas for growth by adding essential building blocks to the foundation of a vibrant outdoor economic ecosystem in WV to create new job opportunities, attract outdoor tourism, and enhance quality of life in local communities. Thanks to additional support from The Benedum Foundation, The Nature Conservancy of West Virginia and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, the total impact of the ARC POWER Grant will be over $1.7M.
The WV CORE Initiative will launch four key programs aimed at building the foundation of West Virginia’s outdoor economy. These programs are designed to enhance business support, foster community collaboration, and ensure sustainable development of the state’s outdoor recreation assets.
Building the Backbone of West Virginia's Outdoor Industry
West Virginia’s outdoor businesses—from gear manufacturers to adventure outfitters—are central to the state's growing outdoor economy. The Outdoor Business Alliance will provide the essential infrastructure and support to help these businesses thrive.
Key Initiatives:
Workshops & Training: Tailored professional development programs for outdoor business leaders.
Networking & Collaboration: Outdoor industry events to foster connections, mentorship, and partnerships.
Data & Research: Insights to inform growth strategies through the Outdoor Business Census and WV Outdoor Economic Impact Report.
Partnering with leading national organizations like the State Outdoor Business Alliance, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, and the Outdoor Industry Association, the Alliance is set to transform West Virginia into a hub for outdoor business innovation.
Empowering West Virginia's Outdoor Nonprofits
Local nonprofits are at the heart of community-driven outdoor initiatives, and we’re committed to supporting their growth and sustainability. The WV Outdoor Nonprofit Hub builds the capacity of community organizations across West Virginia.
What We Offer:
Technical Assistance: One-on-one support for operational and strategic development.
WV Nonprofit Association Memberships: Providing access to exclusive resources, training, and support.
Outdoor Nonprofit Resource Toolkit: An online resource library that will provide access to knowledge from national and state partners about things like outdoor infrastructure fundraising, partnerships and MOUs, and outdoor advocacy.
Resource Library: A toolkit with best practices in outdoor infrastructure and community activation.
This initiative ensures that West Virginia's outdoor non-profits have the resources and leadership they need to better support local outdoor economic development initiatives thrive long-term.
Preserving West Virginia’s Trail Legacy
West Virginia’s scenic trails are a key asset, enhancing quality of life, connecting people with nature, and driving tourism. Through Trail Trainings and Education, we’re ensuring the long-term sustainability of these trails by developing the next generation of empowering volunteer trail stewards and professional trail managers.
Program Highlights:
Volunteer Stewardship Training: Hands-on workshops covering sustainable trail building and maintenance.
Professional Trail Manager Courses: Certification programs designed to develop the next generation of trail managers.
Trail Development Resource Library: A comprehensive resource hub for trail planning and management.
From local volunteers to professional land managers, we’re building a community that protects and enhances West Virginia's trail systems.
Shaping the Future of West Virginia’s Outdoor Economy
At these Strategic Convenings, we’re bringing together leaders from across the outdoor recreation ecosystem to develop a shared vision for West Virginia’s outdoor economy.
Annual Events:
WV Outdoor Economy Summit: A flagship gathering of outdoor industry stakeholders to drive collaboration and innovation.
Workforce Development Summits: Focused on building an outdoor-ready workforce in partnership with higher education institutions.
Webinars & Meetups: Monthly virtual events to keep the conversation going and share best practices.
Join us as we create a future where outdoor businesses, non-profits, and communities work hand-in-hand to grow West Virginia's outdoor economy.
Apply to Host a Trail Training in Your Community Sign Up For WV CORE Updates Learn More About WV CORE From the Team
About the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
About the POWER Initiative
The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative directs federal resources to communities impacted by job losses in coal mining and related industries. In October 2024, The ARC POWER Initiative awarded $68.2 million to 65 projects across 188 counties, helping diversify local economies through entrepreneurship, workforce development, and infrastructure. Since 2015, ARC has invested over $484.7 million in 564 projects touching 365 counties across Appalachia.
Hear the latest from the Smith OEDC about West Virginia's Outdoor Economy, tools to get your community engaged in the process, and opportunities to connect with other outdoor stakeholders in West Virginia.
To address population loss
We envision a West Virginia where all of our communities are vibrant and thriving
To empower West Virginia's communities and partners to advance the state's economy and enhance quality of life through outdoor recreation
Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
Director of Outdoor Economic Development
Andy supports West Virginia’s efforts to build a stronger, more vibrant outdoor economy and communities through his role as the Director of Outdoor Economic Development at the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative.