27 Mar Press Release: Friends of Southwest Virginia Launches Major Outdoor Recreation Initiative in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Ryan Vaughan
Marketing Manager
Friends of Southwest Virginia
rvaughan@myswva.org
Friends of Southwest Virginia Launches Major Outdoor Recreation Initiative in Buchanan and Dickenson Counties
Regional effort will strengthen tourism, grow local economies, and connect Southwest Virginia’s outdoor assets.
ABINGDON, VA (Friday, March 27, 2026) – Friends of Southwest Virginia is proud to partner with Buchanan County, Dickenson County, and the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission to launch the Gateways to Adventure: Buchanan & Dickenson Counties Outdoor Recreation Development Initiative, an exciting new effort to elevate Southwest Virginia as a premier outdoor recreation destination.
Funded through an Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development award, with additional support from the Thompson Charitable Foundation, the initiative represents a major step forward in positioning Buchanan and Dickenson Counties as premier outdoor recreation destinations within Southwest Virginia and beyond.
The project will deliver a regional outdoor recreation strategy alongside county-specific development plans for Buchanan and Dickenson Counties. Efforts will focus on enhancing connectivity between outdoor assets, aligning priority projects, and identifying clear pathways for implementation supported by strategic funding. A coordinated marketing approach will also be developed, including county-level strategies and unified regional messaging aligned with Visit SWVA.
“We are honored to partner with Buchanan and Dickenson Counties on this exciting initiative,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia. “This is about unlocking the full potential of these communities, connecting their incredible outdoor assets, telling a stronger regional story, and creating new opportunities for growth and visitation.”
Outdoor recreation assets across the Cumberland Plateau, including Breaks Interstate Park, will play a central role in the initiative.
The effort builds on previous Appalachian Regional Commission investments and ongoing outdoor recreation strategies across Southwest Virginia, with a focus on long-term growth and regional collaboration.
“This initiative represents an important step forward for our region,” said Dana Cronkhite, Economic Development Director of Dickenson County. “Dickenson County is proud to be part of a collaborative effort that recognizes both the strength of our individual assets and the opportunity to better connect them. By aligning our outdoor recreation resources into a more unified system, we can create meaningful experiences for visitors while supporting long term economic growth for our communities.”
Planning efforts will evaluate opportunities across trails, mountain biking, ATV connectivity, climbing, blueways, and water-based recreation, while strengthening connections between outdoor assets and downtown communities. In Buchanan County, planning will include a targeted focus on the Southern Gap area and its connection to Breaks Interstate Park as a key regional gateway.
“This project represents an important step forward for Buchanan and Dickenson County as we continue to invest in outdoor recreation as a driver of economic growth,” said Matthew Fields, Economic Development and Tourism Director of Buchanan County. “By working together regionally, we can better connect our natural assets, create meaningful visitor experiences, and position our communities as premier destinations in Southwest Virginia. This effort will not only enhance tourism, but also support local businesses and improve quality of life for our residents.”
A concurrent marketing effort will deliver digital engagement platforms, stakeholder input tools, project videos, and messaging frameworks to support both immediate promotion and long-term brand development.
Proposals are now being accepted. Full details are available at www.friendsofswva.org/opportunities