Developments in Development

“If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.”— Henry Miller (1891-1980) American Author

For those of us who enjoy traveling, we may relate to this quote. I am convinced that Jasper County’s natural beauty of hilly terrain, well-managed forests that carve out homes for wildlife, our peaceful river and creeks, our scenic byways, and our relaxing lake life are what so many people need to find that “new way of looking at things” and survive in this stress-saturated society.

Economic Development aids communities in creating wealth, prosperity, and self-sufficiency. Tourism is one means to this end.

Innovators learned that well from the cities of Helen and Pine Mountain (Callaway Gardens).

Nature-based and agri-tourism is the third focus area of the Development Authority of Jasper County.

Gov. Sonny Perdue recently announced that the total economic impact of visitors to the state has increased to $28.2 billion, up $2 billion from 2004. Approximately 217,000 Georgians worked in travel-related jobs in 2005, 2.5 percent more than in 2004. And, as a result, tax revenue grew 5.9 percent, to $1.28 billion.

The economic impact for tourism in Jasper County was $5.49 million in 2004 and $5.48 million in 2003 yet our ranking went down from 122 in 2003 to 123 in 2004 (from 159 counties). These figures include transportation, lodging, food service, entertainment and recreation, general retail trade, and travel-generated payroll and employment (see www.market georgia.org). The 2005 figures are not yet out.

Talk about a “new way of looking at things.” Thanks to a USDA Grant of $99,000, Jasper County Extension Service (Jean Walter), David Dyer (Market Manager), and Monticello Better Hometown (Sage Edwards) our Market Festival (agri-tourism) is growing (see www. monticelloga.com for info beginning in September).

Thanks to a Department of Natural Resources Non-game Wildlife Grant for $4,300, Liz Caldwell (U.S. Forest Service), and Carolyn Johnson (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) we will soon establish a Bird Watching Loop with a grand opening in mid-September. Bird Watching is the fastest growing outdoor activity in the nation. We highlight the Red Cockaded Woodpecker (see www.historic monticello.com starting in August for more info).

Thanks to the Scenic Byway Commission, we have a 47-mile and smaller Bicycle Loop on our two Scenic Byways. Do you see the increased number of bicycles and motorcycles on those routes? Restaurants and retail are starting to accommodate the weekend crowds (see www.historic monticello.com for more info). We are working with our Regional Development Center and Department of Transportation to include a bicycle trail on the scenic byways.

Thanks to the Rockdale Trail Blazers and Heart of Dixie Horse Clubs, other equine enthusiasts, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Georgia Recreational Trails Program our Ocmulgee River Trail (20 mile multi-use trail) will be partially open for broader public use by 2008 (see www.historic monticello.com). Two day-use trailheads exist on the trail currently. A campground and RV park is being developed on the trail.

Thanks to the Regional Advisory Council 5, the Northeast Georgia Regional Arts Council, Jasper County Art Alliance and local artists, we will unveil our local Art Loop in September as well.

This is actually a mix of cultural tourism and some nature-based with wildlife photography as a part. The 12-county effort will create a regional Art Loop with Jasper County joining the “Loop” in 2007 (see www.heritageartloop.com and www.historicmonticello.com in September for more info).

The Monticello Visitors’ Center, Better Hometown, and the Historical Foundation are working on other Heritage and Cultural Tourism activities as well.

Have you discovered Jasper County yet? It might just change the way you see the world. You will be able to travel there on-line starting in August. Brochures will soon be available also. Pass it on.