What is SRRA (Southwest Regional Recreation Authority)?

The Spearhead Trails project was started and initially facilitated by Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Partnership Alliance Marketing division.  In 2008, the Virginia General Assembly established the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (SRRA).  The purpose and goal of SRRA is to oversee the development and management of the Spearhead Trail System within the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise and the City of Norton.

On November 12th, 2009, the results of a recent five month comprehensive study was presented at a conference held in Norton Virginia that  shows that there is tremendous potential for Southwest Virginia to become a “Trail Destination” for ATV riders, bikers, hikers, canoeists, horseback riders, naturalists and others (click here for photos of the conference).
THE PROPOSED TRAIL SYSTEM
  • Is intended to utilize easements on privately owned lands through cooperative agreements, mainly with large corporate landowners
  • Will be governed by a state authority, and patrolled by rangers with full law enforcement capabilities
  • Will require users to abide by a strict set of safety and conduct rules, enforced to protect users and the environment
  • Can provide economic diversification through development and expansion of businesses such as: outfitters, campgrounds, hotels, cabin rentals, restaurants, gift shops, supplier stores, ATV, bicycle, off-highway motorcycle and equestrian services/sales
OUTDOOR RECREATION IN VIRGINIA IS SIGNIFICANT
  • 21% of Virginia visitors particiate in some form of outdoor recreation
  • Those visitors spend more than the average travel party ($789 versus $463 per visit)
  • Those visitors stay longer than the average travel party (3.3 nights versus 2.2 nights)
OTHER STATE TRAIL SYSTEMS
  • Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, West Virginia. Provides economic output of $7.7 million;
  • Creates a tax revenue of $622,752;
  • 82% of trail users are likely to return;
  • Provides $2.7 million in income; and provides 146 jobs.
PROJECT TIMELINE
YEAR
DESCRIPTION
COMPLETED
2008
 Secure funding for feasibility study
X
2008
 Form Southwest Virginia Recreation Authority (click here)
X
2009
 Complete feasibility study (click here)
X
2009
 Establish authority organization (click here for members)
X
2009
 Operation policies and procedures
Recommendations completed
2009
 Begin fundraising for trail development/authority operations plan/map trail system
2010
 Establish authority executive director position
2010
 Begin trail creation
2010
 Develop marketing plan
2010
 Establish land owner partnerships/begin trail creation
2011
 Open first trail
2011
 Implement marketing plan
2012
 Open entire trail system
Click here for information about the initiative's Trailblazers.
Southwest Regional Recreation Authority
P.O. Box 8049
Wise, VA 24293
Website created and maintained by WMTH CORPORATION P.O. Box 51153 Bowling Green, KY 42102 | PHONE (270) 792-5300 | FAX 721-0004 | trailsrus.com