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Defining the Challenge
In 1996, people from the five counties along the Roanoke
River in North Carolina met with others from across the state to merge
their interests in this rich natural resource and in the region’s
economic needs.
Historically, people along the Roanoke have depended on its abundance
for their own food as well as for commercial goods: naval stores,
lumber, cypress shingles, fish and more. The river served as a travel
route for the earliest inhabitants of this land and those who followed.
Its dense swamps provided cover for runaway slaves.
Its high banks and sharp bends offered vantage points for forts during wars. It carried barges of
fuel and other products in more recent times. Its water serves
industries and municipalities from dam to sound. The forbidden
swamps even hid illegal stills during Prohibition. One was so
“industrial” that it ran three shifts!
The Roanoke remained vital, yet
there was awareness that this beautiful, life-giving river was not being
used to its fullest potential…or in ways that protected it for use by
future generations.
Facing the
Realities
In 1997, this group had identified their goals, established a plan of
action and incorporated as a non-profit group called Roanoke River
Partners (RRP). Now, the hard work began. One of RRP's first and biggest
projects was to create a paddle/camping trail along the river and its
creeks that would increase awareness of this treasure we call the
Roanoke, and build infrastructure for small businesses like guides,
outfitters and many others in the region, new and old. Visitors could
trace the curves of the Roanoke and its tributaries, discovering the
variety of wildlife and habitats it offers and enjoying the unique
experience of spending a night (or more) in the breathtaking beauty of
its moss-draped back swamps. In this special type of eco-tourism, the
Roanoke River Paddle Trail would be the first private system of its type
in the nation. No small task, for certain.
Realizing the
Dream!
Today, the Roanoke River Paddle Trail is a reality!
With
its 11th camping platform nearing completion, this unique
trail has attracted hundreds of paying visitors from around the country
and even a few international paddlers! There are many wonderful
stories between the dream of this trail and the reality, and it
could not have happened without countless dedicated supporters. We
sincerely thank each of them and just as importantly, we hope that
you will be captivated by this vision of the Roanoke as a source of
sustainable, responsible growth through eco-tourism.
Join
us today in creating a better economy for the people along the river and
in helping to assure a healthy future for this treasure we call the
Roanoke. For more about how you can become a sponsor (and there is a
level of sponsorship for everyone) click here. |
