Giles County Awarded “Keep Virginia Beautiful” Grant

Giles Administration was pleased to learn a few months ago that they would be recipients of a Keep Virginia Beautiful – 30 Grants in Thirty Days program grant. Giles had applied for funding in the recycling category.

The project award enabled construction of monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing line recycling tubes for all boat ramps on the Giles’ section of the New River, which did not yet have them. The funding has additionally enabled tubes to be constructed for future boat ramps that are now in the planning stages.

As well as recycling tubes, the funds have allowed an informational brochure to be developed that describes the environmental importance of keeping fishing line out of our waterways. Used fishing line is harmful to wildlife, boats and humans. It can endanger fish, birds, turtles and other aquatic mammals. Swimmers can become entangled and it can wrap around boat propellers. Giles County is fortunate to have several outdoor outfitters that have taught environmental stewardship for many years. These brochures are intended to further expand the reach of this message.

When a significant amount of the fishing line is collected from the tubes, it will be boxed and sent to Berkley Fishing where it is melted down and recycled into items such as fish habitat structures, tackle boxes, etc.

Collaborators in this venture, in addition to Keep Virginia Beautiful, the Giles County PSA, and ReNew The New, include the Berkley Fishing/Conservation Institute and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Additionally, some content for the brochures was utilized from the excellent programs of Florida Fish and Wildlife and Washington State Fish and Wildlife. Finally, the BoatUS Foundation provided instructional stickers for the tubes.

Please join in the effort to keep the 37 miles of the Giles County New River beautiful for all to enjoy.

To learn more about the New River and the Giles County area and activities, please visit online at: www.GilesCounty.org; ReNewtheNew.org; or NewRiverWaterTrail.com

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Giles County, Virginia is located in Southwest Virginia approximately 40 minutes south of Roanoke and just west of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech. With easy access to the New River, world class dining and lodging properties, and historical attractions for the entire family, Giles offers adventure in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Come find your playground at our Visitors Center located at 203 N Main Street, Pearisburg, VA 24134 or find us online at gilescounty.org or by calling 540-921-2079. For interviews or onsite visits, please contact Cora Gnegy, Tourism Marketing Director. We can arrange and assist with any media needs. For more information about planning your visit to Giles County or about activities and events, please visit www.gilescounty.org or contact us at tourism@gilescounty.org.

Adventure Tourism Entrepreneur Workshop Coming To The New River Valley

Giles County, VA – The Friends of Southwest Virginia, in partnership with Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia Community Capital, Spearhead Trails, and Small Business Development Centers, are hosting adventure tourism workshops to highlight regional initiatives, opportunities, best practices, and expert advice for starting an adventure tourism business in Southwest Virginia.

Southwest Virginia includes 19 counties and four independent cities located near the southern and western border of Virginia. The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission, established in 2008 by the Virginia General Assembly, takes the lead in developing a creative economy in Southwest Virginia. In 2011, the Commission became the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, a self-sustaining community development organization with support from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through a supporting non-profit, the Friends of Southwest Virginia, businesses and individuals help artists, crafts people, localities, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs mobilize and succeed.

With multiple outdoor adventures and opportunities throughout the New River Valley, residents and visitors alike are starting to discover the outdoor recreation assets that our region has to offer. However, more adventure tourism businesses are needed to aid in the discovery of the “Adventurous Side of Virginia,” the tagline of the organization.

The workshops are free and open to the public. Advance registration is required with space limited to 30 attendees. The New River Valley will host a regional workshop on December 13^th from 9am until noon at the 19^th Hole at Castle Rock, located at 900 Castle Rock Drive, Pembroke, VA. You may also find more information and register online at the Giles County, VA Facebook Event page.

The collaboration among the aforementioned partners, as well as the localities hosting the workshops aid in the development of our communities and assist the Friends of Southwest Virginia in promoting outdoor recreation in Southwest Virginia to the world. The Friends of Southwest Virginia would like to thank the hosts for the workshops and for their partnership.

For more information, please contact Emily Mayo (276-492-2412).

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About Southwest Virginia

Tucked in the mountains of Southwest Virginia is a vibrant culture of music, craft and stunning natural beauty. It’s a region of spectacular views and rich natural resources. Time spent in the region adds up to something much more than a simple getaway. A different side of Virginia. And a great place to visit for a week’s vacation – or to make a home for a lifetime. Authentic. Distinctive. Alive.

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