The Clinch River Valley Initiative aims to make the Clinch River Valley a global destination by 2020 based on its biodiversity, natural beauty, and outdoor opportunities. This collaboration between over 50 organizations seeks to bring economic, environmental, and social benefits to the region's communities while protecting the Clinch River's rare species. The initiative has 5 goals: 1) Develop a Clinch River State Park, 2) Develop access points and trails along the river, 3) Enhance water quality, 4) Develop environmental education, and 5) Connect recreation to downtown revitalization and entrepreneurship.

1. CLINCH
RIVER
VALLEY
INITIATIVE

2. Clinch River Valley Initiative
By 2020, the Clinch River Valley will be a global destination based
on its unique biodiversity, natural beauty, cultural attractions, and
outdoor opportunities.
This collaboration will bring measurable economic, environmental,
and social benefits to the region’s communities while protecting
the Clinch’s globally rare species.

4. • Clinch River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC) - designated biological hot spot
• Significant collaboration in region and interest in project
• First time many have worked together
• Led by regional steering team facilitated by UVA’s Institute for
Environmental Negotiation (IEN)
CRVI Overview

5. GOAL 1
Develop a Clinch River State Park
GOAL 2
Develop and integrate access points, trails,
and campgrounds
GOAL 3
Enhance water quality
GOAL 4
Develop and enhance environmental
education opportunities for all community
members in the Clinch River watershed
GOAL 5
Connect downtown revitalization and
outdoor recreation efforts along the Clinch
River, and expand entrepreneurship and
marketing opportunities
Photo: Pete Guzman
CLINCH RIVER VALLEY INITIATIVE

6. `Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network
Black Diamond Resource Conservation and Development
Council
Clinch Coalition
Clinch Ranger District of National Forest Service
Clinch Valley Outfitters
Community Design Assistance Center – VA Tech
Counties of Wise, Russell, Tazewell and Scott
Cumberland Plateau PDC VA Health District
Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission
Dominion Power
Dungannon Development Commission (DDC)
ElderSpirit
Ferrum College
Healthy Appalachia Institute -- UVa-Wise
Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
Keep Southwest Virginia Beautiful
LENOWISCO Planning District Commission
Mountain Motor Sports, Inc.
Policy Consensus Initiative
Project Estonoa/ Vencil Learning Center in St. Paul
Rikemo Lodge
River Place on the Clinch
Russell County
Russell County Chamber of Commerce
Scott County
Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards
Southwest Regional Recreational Authority
Southwest Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation
Southwest Virginia Environmental Education Team
Spearhead Trailblazers
St. Paul IDA
St. Paul Tomorrow
St. Paul Tourism
The Nature Conservancy
Tazewell County
Towns of Cleveland, Dungannon, St. Paul (and
other communities)
Upper Tennessee River Roundtable
US Fish and Wildlife Service
US Forest Service
UVA Institute for Environmental Negotiation
UVa- Wise
VA Dept. of Business Assistance
VA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation
VA Dept. of Forestry
VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries
VA Dept. of Health
VA Dept. of Housing and Community Development
VA Mainstreet Program
VA State Parks
Virginia Tech Community Design Assistance Center
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Wise County
Citizens and interested community members
www.clinchriverva.com
CRVI PARTCIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

7. Photos by Shannon Blevins