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Equity and Economic Impact Study - Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Purpose and Objectives
In January 2022, NVRC released the results of a community impact assessment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Northern Virginia. The study includes an assessment of health equity, social equity, transportation, and economic impacts of improving trail access, closing trail gaps, and making safe connections to nearby communities. The objective of the study was to assess the public health and community-related impacts associated with use of the trail and to provide recommendations to maximize those impacts and help justify the investment of public funds.
Trails not only provide a wide range of recreational values, services, and protection of specific natural and cultural features, but they also explicitly contribute to social and economic well-being. To assist the National Park Service, local governments and land managing agencies with completion of their PHNST trail and connection trail gaps, the NVRC, on behalf of its PHNST partners, seeks to develop a deeper understanding about why the trail and its connections are valuable to Northern Virginia residents, businesses, and the economy.
Research Consultant
Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) retained economic research firm BBC Research & Consulting (BBC) to conduct the comprehensive assessment of health, social equity, economic, and transportation impacts that the PHNST has in northern Virginia.
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Timeline
The timeline will be updated as events are determined. Stakeholder and land manager meetings are not open to the public. NVRC Meetings of the Commission are open to the public.
May 2021: NVRC Study Kickoff with NPS and Consultant
June 14, 2021: Stakeholders Data Sub-Committee Meeting
June 23, 2021: Stakeholders Study Training Session
October 28, 2021: Stakeholders Draft Results Meeting
January 13, 2022: Land Managers Final Report and Results Meeting
January 27, 2022: NVRC Meeting of Commission at 7:30PM - Public Release of Final Report and Associated Final Products
February 2, 2022: Webinar Highlighting Study Results at 2PM for Stakeholders and Public on Final Report and Results
***The report, associated documents, presentations, and an interactive dashboard can be found under the documents section.***
Report, Interactive Dashboard, and Outreach Materials
Released on January 27, 2022 By NVRC
Report
The final report produced by NVRC's consultant, BBC Research, reports on the findings of the health, social equity, and economic impact of the trail in Northern Virginia. There is also an errata sheet for the report.
Interactive Dashboard
The dashboard provides a summary of the results by topic. It also provides several interactive maps that display the location of the trail and health, social equity, economic, and transportation characteristics in areas along and in the vicinity of the trail.
Dashboard - Summary of report highlights by topic and interactive data and maps |
Outreach Materials
Executive Summary:
Infographics:
Presentations
- June 14, 2021, Stakeholders Data Sub-Committee Presentation
- June 23, 2021, Study Overview Webinar
- January 27, 2022, NVRC Meeting of the Commission
- February 2, 2022, Webinar Highlighting Study Results