SD23 - A Feasibility Study for the Inclusion of Natural Chimneys and Grand Caverns Regional Parks in the State Park System


Executive Summary:
The 1999 Virginia General Assembly requested that the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) study the feasibility of including two regional parks, Natural Chimneys, approximately 130 acres, and Grand Caverns, approximately 99 acres, in the state park system. Both parks are in Augusta County in the Central Shenandoah Valley and are owned and operated by the Upper Valley Regional Park Authority (UVRPA). DCR staff chose an independent consultant, the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC) at George Mason University, to work closely with the department in meeting the General Assembly's request for the study report. The fieldwork on the study was conducted from late-July through October 1999, including several site visits by DCR staff and MEC researchers.

Both Grand Caverns and Natural Chimneys contain geologic, historic, natural and cultural resources that are of statewide significance and are worthy of protecting within the Virginia State Park system. Both sites contain rare, threatened or endangered species, geologic, cultural, and other resources that could be key elements of a major environmental educational programming opportunity for the Commonwealth. Therefore, due to the significance of these varied resources and their key location in the Shenandoah Valley, it is feasible to incorporate Natural Chimneys and Grand Caverns regional parks into the state park system. The 1996 Virginia Outdoors Plan has identified the Shenandoah Valley as one of the top ten areas for the location of a future state park, and these sites would also meet that recommendation.

The costs of making upgrades and improvements to bring both parks into compliance with established state standards would be over $7.5 million. Future land acquisition to bring the regional parks to the desired minimum state park size of roughly 600 acres could cost approximately $1.5. These would be one-time costs. Additional costs may be incurred if it is necessary for the state to purchase UVRPA's interests in land and improvements at both sites.

Substantial portions of both parks are within the floodplain, and DCR would be required to comply with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations and ordinances adopted in compliance with the National Flood Insurance program. These restrictions could affect future developments within the floodplain.

An operating budget of more than $850,000 would be a recurring cost. The costs to operate both parks would increase by about $260,000 per year over the current expenses incurred by the regional park authority. Increased operating costs would be due principally to an annual preventive maintenance program, higher salary and wage ranges, and state benefits.

Presently, DCR has no un-obligated financial or staff resources available to acquire, upgrade or operate the proposed new State Park. Therefore, the success of including the two regional parks within the state park system would depend on the addition of staff (9 FTEs plus funds for seasonal workers) and operating resources described above.

Interviews with officials from the constituent local governments indicates a recognition that the funding the localities provide to operate the parks has been a bargain. Some of the officials thought that it would be possible to create a cooperative partnership with the state whereby the local governments would agree to provide ongoing financial support for park operations. An innovative agreement between the state and the regional park authority's local governments would lower the required cost of operating a new state park. A suggestion has been made that through an agreement with the local governments, a subsidy could be used to offset or reduce the fees that local residents would pay at their former regional parks.

Local business and economic development officials suggested that there are opportunities to increase the visibility and use of Natural Chimneys and Grand Caverns parks. Recreation and tourism are significant industries in the region, and both parks are heavily used and well recognized locally. The State Parks marketing strategies, including environmental education could encourage additional visitation from outside the region, increasing the tourism related business in the area.

The unique features of Natural Chimneys and Grand Caverns can present an outstanding Setting for expanding DCRs State Parks Division's environmental education programming. The historic, cultural, natural, and geologic features found in these parks can be used as a platform to educate, inform, and entertain all park visitors. These resources will add an important element to the legacy of natural resources, outdoor activities and educational programming that are an important part of the Commonwealth's efforts to promote a strong conservation ethic and ensure that the best of Virginia's natural resources are available for future generations.