C. Old Fort Trails Project Overview

Overview

McDowell County consists of over 285,000 acres of land. More than 75,000 acres is USFS land. These public lands represent a tremendous asset to the health, wellness, and economies of local communities.

The outdoor industry is one of the largest economic sectors in the American Economy. Last year it contributed $887 billion annually in direct consumer spending, supported 7.6 million American jobs, and generated $59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue.

G5 At A Glance

The G5 Trail Collective is a non-profit initiative focused on trail development and maintenance in the five counties that make up the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

Our mission, in collaboration with the USFS, is to raise money and increase volunteer support for maintenance and development of backcountry trails in the Grandfather Ranger District.

The outcomes we seek are sustainable backcountry trails, a robust trail volunteer network, and healthier and more vibrant rural communities.

Why Focus on USFS lands? The Land is Ours - High Return on a Relative Low Investment - Short Timeline

Construction Cost ● Cost to build a mile of trail on USFS land= $37,000 a mile ● Cost to build paved linear greenway trail= $775,000 to $1,000,000+ a mile

Economic Return- (see attached economic impact graphic) ● Direct Consumer Spending in county based on 90 mile radius of Old Fort= $2.5million- $4.2 million ● Direct Consumer Spending in county based on 240 mile radius of Old Fort= $19.8 million- $33 million

Timeline- ● 8-10 miles of trail can be built a year beginning in winter 2021. Total build time of approximately 5 years.

G5 Collective 985 Camp Grier Rd. | PO Box 490 | Old Fort, NC | 28762

Current Status-

$150,000 raised for planning, design, permitting and flagging. The project will be shovel ready by October, 2021.

Need

The project needs $50,000 of additional permitting funds due to an addition of 17 miles of trail based on local community input.

Local Community Trails- Zone E