Eco-tourism at Pirates Wharf

Eco-tourism is a giant industry generating billions of dollars for our nation’s economy every year. A 2012 report by the Outdoor Industry Association (see link below) reveals that outdoor recreation (birding, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, paddling, cycling, etc.) contributes more to our economy than spending on pharmaceuticals, motor vehicles and parts, gasoline and household utilities. Americans are reported to spend more on cycling gear and trips ($81 billion) than they do on airplane tickets and fees ($51 billion). Data also shows the outdoor recreation economy is growing steadily. From 2008-2011 - amidst the deepest part of our country’s recent recession - the outdoor recreation economy grew by 5% annually! A few other numbers. The 2012 study reports that the outdoor recreation economy contributes: - 6.1 million jobs - $646 billion in outdoor recreation spending each year - $39.9 billion in federal tax revenue - $39.7 billion in state/local tax revenue Wicomico County has made minimal progress in developing its potential as a hot-spot for outdoor recreation, but the opportunity is high. Centrally located on the Eastern Shore, 30 minutes from the beach and the Blackwater Refuge, surrounded by winding waterways rich with natural wildlife and well suited for canoeing and kayaking adventures, we have the natural infrastructure and wildlife to accommodate a thriving outdoor recreation industry. Bolstered by having a small but active College town like Salisbury with good restaurants, breweries and galleries, we are perfectly positioned to accommodate a full experience for outdoor recreation goers. And with the growing popularity of Staycations (vacations where people travel 2 hours or less) we are situated to draw from the populations in DC, Philly, Baltimore. There is much potential for growth in this industry for the Eastern Shore. With a little bit of vision, and cooperation with our nearby towns, we could regionally market ourselves as a hot-spot for outdoor recreation. By nurturing and highlighting our local natural assets: water, wildlife, beautiful landscapes, great seafood, restaurants, craft breweries and great cultural events like Roller Derby, SU Art Galleries and music concerts, the nearby Harriet Tubman Museum, local bands, bars and farmers markets, we could market ourselves for outdoor recreation and local heritage trips. The result would be to financially bolster our local economy and add to the richness and experience of living on the Eastern Shore. Pirates Wharf could be developed in this image. It could become a wonderful draw for outdoor/wildlife/heritage adventurers. With Pirates Wharf, we are faced with an opportunity to begin to develop our local economy via showcasing, supporting, and protecting our natural assets: nature and heritage. An outdoor industry economy is not grown overnight, it will take continued engagement, cooperation and vision. But, given the statistics, isn’t this something worth building? What an opportunity to work together and skillfully develop our local assets! Help us make Pirates Wharf a beautiful eco-heritage tourism location, please help us to ensure it is developed to its full potential responsibly. Outdoor Industry Association 2012 Outdoor Recreation Economy Report - https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwihquyEsdLMAhXLHT4KHUIuBSQQFgggMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Foutdoorindustry.org%2Fpdf%2FOIA_OutdoorRecEconomyReport2012.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFDg7SshtA27FjwSAQsttmBvbaoNg&sig2=ZnmL2ADlqK03tAGPSzAO_Q