West Virginia uniquely prepared to dominate 21st-century outdoor economy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is uniquely prepared to dominate in the 21st-century outdoor economy of the U.S., thanks to its unmatched potential for outdoor recreation, says a spokesman for The Nature Conservancy.

The state is attracting new residents in record numbers as a result of its capacity for outdoor living, an economic reality as the remote-work revolution sweeps the globe, says Eriks Brolis, director of economic development and strategic initiatives for the conservancy.

A day’s drive from more than half the U.S. population, Brolis says the Mountain State is increasingly a destination for nature-loving tourists and residents—investors who are attracted by its small towns, natural beauty, and access to the outdoors

“West Virginia is vital nationally in terms of outdoor recreation,” says Brolis, whose organization is sponsoring Outdoor Recreation Day at the state capitol on February 19.

The 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event closes out a week of collaboration in Charleston centered around the West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit, February 17-18, co-sponsored by the conservancy and the WVU Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative.

Brolis says the state is a key focus for the nationwide organization, which was established in 1951 to help conserve the natural systems on which people and wildlife depend.

Though to native West Virginians, the state may not appear as important as it is, he says the conservancy considers it vital.

“I don’t think those of us who grew up or visited here necessarily think of West Virginia as being as important as it is, but the Appalachians are one of four global focal places for the conservancy of more than 70, and West Virginia is at its very center.”

In fact, West Virginia is a remarkable place of convergence when considered from a natural perspective, Brolis says.

“West Virginia is where you’ll find the southernmost range of many northern Appalachian species and the northernmost range of many southern Appalachian species,” he says. “The mountains here are a kind of superhighway for both flora and fauna.”

One of the chief reasons the conservancy is sponsoring the summit is the unmatched opportunity for engagement that West Virginia presents. Considering its ability to attract remote workers and new investment, Brolis says his organization can institute initiatives with a greater positive economic impact.

Over the years, The Nature Conservancy has preserved some of West Virginia's chief natural wonders, including Ice Mountain, Cranesville Swamp, and Bear Rocks on the Allegheny Front at Dolly Sods.

Its forest health and restoration initiatives have replenished red spruce woodlands in the Allegheny Mountains and assisted private landowners in improving forest health, entering carbon markets, and providing conservation benefits and economic incentives.

Brolis says one of the most important economic aspects of nature in West Virginia is its ability to build and strengthen communities.

“Nature unites us,” Brolis says. “It’s where people go to relax and recreate. There’s something for all of us to find there, whether we’re picnicking in a local park or scaling Seneca Rocks.”

For more information on The Nature Conservancy, visit Nature.org. For more information on the West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit, visit WVOutdoorEconomy.com.