Indian Head Trail Talk

60 day study period for location of Caboose

2011-12-07T12:21:00.001-08:00

Vice Mayor Ed Rice and Green Team Chair Linda Redding attended the Commissioner's Meeting 12/6. This is what Ed Rice sent to me on his ipad...

"I attended the subject meeting (along with Linda Redding)during discussion items involving placing a caboose on the Trail and a study todetermine opportunity costs of destroying forests during land development. DNR is just beginning a study of opportunitycosts and the Commissioners requested a DNR briefing regarding the study (whichwill not cost the County because it will be the pilot County for theeffort). Tom Roland presented the Parksoptions for placement and use of the caboose. A decision to place the caboose (the County has already approvedpurchase) was deferred for 60 days primarily because of information presentedat the open meeting held by Commission President Kelly in the Pavilion on 1 Decand the emails sent by Peggy Palmer and the mayor containing the letter writtenby Ed Joell. I spoke with Tom Rolandafter the meeting to decide where to go from here. The Commissioners want to use the 60 days forinput from interested parties (according to Tom the historical society has alsoweighed in regarding use of the caboose). The decision made was for parties (Indian Head in particular)to furtherdevelop the options in its email for presentation to the Commissioners. Tom thinks that a pre-meeting among CountyPlanning, Indian Head, the historical society and other interested parties andCommissioners representing Indian Head and White Plains to discuss options. Oneoption may be to purchase a second caboose. This will require funding of about $50K from municipality or privatefund raising efforts. Indian Head hasless than 60 days to develop its options. Options include placement location and associated costs, use and manningfor proposed uses at a minimum."

Put the Caboose in Indian Head!

2011-11-23T13:10:00.001-08:00

Recently the Charles County Commissioners voted to purchasea caboose and put it “somewhere” on the Indian Head Rail Trail.

The Indian Head Trail Town Action Team met last night, andwe want to strongly recommend that the caboose be located in Indian Head!

The caboose will provide for an exciting Trail Head venue inIndian Head. We envision using thecaboose as an interpretive center to interpret the history of Indian Head andthe Navy base. This caboose can becomethe focal point for those who begin their Trail experience in Indian Head.

Western Maryland and Indian Head need your support! We can be the Gateway to Southern Maryland tourism because we are closer to DC than most parts of the county. this caboose is an important part of our vision for branding Indian Head. Three potential locations for the caboose have beenidentified near the Trail Head in Indian Head. After all, it is the INDIAN HEAD Rail Trail, right?

Our Mayor is contacting the commissioners, but we, as volunteerson the grassroots Trail Town Action Team, want to raise our voices on thisissue. Please join our grass roots cause and let theCommissioners know you agree with the idea of putting the caboose in Indian Head.

Here is the article about the caboose. Note that this article says souvenirs... why not an interpretive center instead. We can still place brochures and info on other attractions in the County.

Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail

2011-11-10T12:31:00.001-08:00

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHT), a corridor of approximately 830 miles of locally managed trails and routes encompasses a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities, heritage attractions and historic sites and districts. The corridor, running from Point State Park and the mouth of the Ohio River in Pittsburgh to Smith Point on the Chesapeake River, is one of the eleven National Park Service’s National Scenic Trails so designated in the country. A web site has been created to offer the public the chance to experience the corridor in multiple ways: hiking, biking, by river, through the towns, and much more. At least one itinerary features Indian Head Trail; but we can add many more that not only include the trail and the town but also Mattawoman Creek and the Potomac River. The site editor is aggressively seeking other great experiences within the corridor to add to the site, contact me with ideas: Posted by Cathy McCollom cmccollom@mccollomdevelopmentstrategies.com and visit www.potomacheritage.net

Cathy McCollom

Principal

McCollom Development Strategies

716 Oden Street

Confluence, PA 15424

814.395.9139 (office)

814.521.3520 (mobile)

cmccollom@mccollomdevelopmentstrategies.com

The economics of outdoor recreation

2011-11-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

As you know from previous blog entries, I find the economics of outdoor recreation to be astounding. Studies abound as more and more municipalities are capitalizing on their natural resources and reaching out to visitors encouraging longer stays in their area.

A recent study, released September 29, 2011 by Southwick Associates for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation quantified outdoor recreation sales (gear and trips combined) at $325 Billion per year; greater than annual returns from pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing ($162 billion); legal services ($253 billion) and power generation and supply ($283 billion).

They also state that home owners near parks and protected area are repeatedly seen to have property values more than 20% higher than similar properties elsewhere!

Indian Head is a community with tremendous assets. Let's talk about how they can be used to attract visitors and to further benefit the residents of the community! Join the discussion: November 22nd, 6pm at the Senior Citizens Center,

Navigable Waterways Can Mean Big Business

2011-10-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

Navigable waterways can mean big business to nearby communities.

A 2006 Study by the Outdoor Industry Association estimates that active outdoor recreation contributes 730 billion dollars annually to the U.S. economy. Paddling forms a significant percentage of that benefit, including the creation of 308,000 jobs. In fact the study revealed that active outdoor recreation employs five times more Americans than Wal-Mart, the world’s largest private employer.

An increasing number of surveys reveal the economic impact of river-related activities. At Henry’s Fork River in Idaho, it was calculated that anglers spend $90 per day for an annual total of $15 million; in Southwest Wyoming the economic impact from anglers was $100 per day and $9.5 million annually. For boating activity in Henry’s Fork, the impact was $64 per day for $.5 million annually and $135 per day in South Fork (Snake River) for a total of $1.5 million.

A study of the impact of recreation at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the New River Gorge National River (WV) demonstrated impacts of $13.4 million; $6.9 million and $2.6 million respectively and created 292 total jobs along the Upper Delaware; 156 jobs along the Delaware Water Gap and 60 at the New River Gorge.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/stewardship:recreation_economics http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/assets/content/docs/Loomis-Full_Report_5-02-05.pdf

So next time you gaze at Mattawoman Creek or the Potomac River remember they are more than just stunningly beautiful waterways; but just as they have been in the past, they are economic engines for the region.

Cathy McCollom

Principal

McCollom Development Strategies

716 Oden Street

Confluence, PA 15424

814.395.9139 (office)

814.521.3520 (mobile)

cmccollom@mccollomdevelopmentstrategies.com

Oct 19 - Trail Town Action Committee instead of EDC meeting - 7pm

2011-10-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Oct 19 is the first community wide Trail Town Action Committee work session.
village Green Pavilion 7-9pm

This work session replaces the usual EDC meeting and everyone is invited to participate!

We will address issues of Trail and Town Signage, a user friendly Trail Rest Stop, Business Amenities and Improvements. We will also talk about how existing businesses can expand their product lines to address visitor needs and which buildings offer the best opportunities for new business.

Without community participation it will be very hard to realize Indian Head’s full potential as a visitor friendly, active Trail Town. This is an opportunity to make a difference in our town,

Please join us.

Our Trail is already recognized as a significant part of the Southern Maryland trail system; and along with Mattawoman Creek, attracts a multitude of visitors. We need to work together to welcome those visitors and attract even more to our town.

Sep 10 - Launch Trail Town Initiative - Indian Head 100 is now Oct 2

2011-08-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Sept 10 - Please join us for the launch of the Trail Town Initiative, Walking Tour and Town Assessment. Walking tour starts at 10am from the Senior Center in Indian Head. The walking tour is followed by a debrief and refreshments. Printable flyer with details here
NEW DATE Oct 2 - Indian Head 100 - more info at http://www.ohbike.org/
Routes of 16, 29, 43, 60 and 100 miles start at the Village Green in the Town of Indian Head and take riders through the scenic Southern Maryland Heritage Area. Registration is $20 by September 5; $30 after September and on day of the ride.

Rail Trail Impressions April 29-June 4, 2011 MCAC

2011-04-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

Paintings of the Indian Head Rail Trail by:

Sally V. Parker, Lynn Mehta, and Barbara Stepura

April 29-June 4 Fri, Sat, sun 11am to 4pm

at Mattawoman Creek Art Center (MCAC)

located at Smallwood State Park

Opening Reception: Sun, May 1, 1-4pm

Park fee is waived for Art Center visitors

Up The Creek opens on the 20th

2011-04-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Just spoke to Mike and he says they will reopen for kayak and bike rentals on the 20th http://www.upthecreekrentals.net/

CLEAN up & Paddle the Creek Sep 25, 2010

2010-09-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

CLEAN up & Paddle the Creek
Sept 25, 2010
NOON - 6:00 PM
Free Kayak Rental for Volunteers
Navy EOD & Dive Team will be there to assist in clean up.

"Clean the Creek" T shirt if registered by Sept. 17th

PLEASE CALL FOR A RESERVATION
LIMITED NUMBER OF BOATS AVAILABLE

RSVP to Up the Creek Rentals

301/743-3733 OR 301/743-3506

Gloves, Litter Bags, & Refreshments provided

Gift Card Drawings

**Students seeking Community Service Hours must have parent sign waiver.
Waiver pdf at http://www.upthecreekrentals.net/

Contact Information:

Up the Creek Rentals, Navy EOD & Dive Team
Contact outings.intern@mdsierra.org or call 301-277-7111 for more details

Directions:

NEAR: Indian Head

Mattingly Park is located at the end of Rt. 210 S in Indian Head, MD. Take a left off of 210 S onto Mattingly Ave, and the dock is located at the end of the street.

June 2 - RSVP to Beth

2010-05-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Indian Head Rail-Trail colleagues,

I met with Cathy McCollom from Trail Towns yesterday. She mentioned that she was going to be in D.C. in early June and she was interested in visiting Indian Head. She is available on June 2 in the afternoon if anyone can meet with her. She not only started up the Trail Towns program, but she has extensive experience in economic development and fundraising. I think this would be a great opportunity to show her the town, the trail, and talk about economic development issues with her.

Would anyone like to do this? Please let me know ASAP and I will get back with her.

Beth Porter
National Park Service,National Capital Region Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program
Office: 202-690-5166 (NEW!)
Cell: 703-346-2948

May 15 Trail Assessment Walk - 10am

2010-04-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a trail assessment walk Saturday, May 15, 10am at the Village Green Parking behind the Pavilion which is designated for Trail parking.

We will walk from the Village Green to the beginning of the trail and assess informational needs, beautification, and safety.

We will then return to the Village Green and meet at the Senior Center for a short meeting to debrief and plan next steps.

Hope you can join us!

Peggy Palmer

April 14 Community Action Meeting

2010-04-06T04:08:00.000-07:00

Join others who care about the Trail. Beth Porter of the National Park Service will be with us once again as we develop plan for grassroots trail related Economic Devleopment and recreational plans. Come be heard! We meet at the Indian Head Pavilion at 7pm.

March 10 Meeting at the Indian Head Pavilion

2010-03-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

Beth Porter of the National Park service will lead a discussion at the Mar 10 community action meeting at the Indian Head Pavilion at 7pm. come join in! We need to hear all voices.

Trail Town Marketing Summit - March 15

2010-02-23T10:26:00.001-08:00

If you are interested in learning about how to market your the assetts of your town to trail users, you should join us at the Trail Town Marketing Summit in Cumberland, MD on March 15. The summit will last from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Topics will include:

understanding the demographics of the trail user,

understanding how to use online resources for marketing,

knowing why and how to brand,

choosing a marketing strategy,

trends and tools in visitor marketing.

More important than the information you will receive is the opportunity to network with other Maryland towns that are marketing their trail opportunities.

If you want to attend, print out the registration form below and send it in as soon as possible.

THE GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE AND
C&O CANAL TOWPATH MARKETING SUMMIT – March 15, 2010
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT FORM

Thank you for your interest in attending the Marketing Summit. Please fill out the form below, indicate payment method and return to Cathy McCollom at the Trail Town Program no later than March 10, 2010.

Return form and payment to:
The Progress Fund
Attn: Cathy McCollom
425 W. Pittsburgh St.
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: (724) 216-9160
Fax: (724) 216-9167

Please fill out information below.

Attendee(s) Name: _____________________________________________________
Business/Organization: _____________________________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________________

E-mail: _______________________________________________

Please indicate payment method.

(Registration fee covers cost to attend the Summit and lunch.)

_____ $10 check payable to The Progress Fund enclosed. (By March 10; non-refundable)

_____ I will pay $15 on the day of the Summit.

Welcome to your place to discuss the Indian Head Trail

2010-02-18T13:43:00.000-08:00