BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

LOVELY —  Appalachian Renewal Project announced its plan to break ground this month on the county-owned Caney Shaft property, the site of a future community campground and recreational destination.

Clifford Smith of ARP says a crew is in place to begin phase 1 of the project, starting with site cleanup, debris removal and mowing.

According to Smith, this work should be finished before the end of the year. However, he says there is a need for additional work to repair portions of the road leading to the site, including brush cutting and removal.

“I am very excited to see phase one of this project move forward,” Smith said. “I remain optimistic that this outdoor venue will not only accommodate the public, improve their quality of life and allow a place to gather and attend events but will also attract tourists visiting the region as more activities are planned on the site and accommodations expand.

“Martin County has a lot to offer, and one of its hidden gems is getting ready to shine for all to see. Good days are ahead.”

ARP signed a four-year lease with the Martin County Fiscal Court earlier this year to establish and operate the outdoor entertainment venue and campground, which will offer RV and primitive camping facilities by the spring or summer of 2023. The venue will also offer outdoor community events such as music festivals, craft shows, small festivals, conferences, reunions and more.

Long-term plans for Caney Shaft include the addition of cabins or glam tents, a bathhouse, a general store, a stage for entertainment and a concession area. Nature trails will be available for hiking and trails for mountain biking are also a possibility. Smith says the site could feature a community garden area if there is enough interest.

The site still needs utilities, and the Martin County Fiscal Court has applied for grants through the USDA Rural Development Fund to pay for a study on how to best achieve that.

“There were utilities at this location years ago when it was an active mining operation, and hopes are there may still be infrastructure in place that will help us with our endeavor,” said Smith.

Smith pointed to a persistent problem he and his workers encounter almost daily: illegal dump sites scattered from near the Route 292 entrance to the site to the top of the mountain. Cleaning up items that vary from regular household garbage to tires, old carpeting, furniture and construction material takes time away from the job.

Smith plans to host a community trash pickup event Jan. 21, 2023, at 9 a.m. (weather permitting). He hopes residents will be willing to lend a hand to help clean up the future campground site.

“This outdoor entertainment space belongs to the residents of Martin County, and it’s going to take all of us combining our efforts and willingness to clean up the area and keep it that way,” said Smith. “I also encourage anyone that sees someone littering or knows the identity of those involved to report the information to Sheriff Kirk or Paul McCoy, the litter control officer for the county, so that the issue can be properly addressed.”

Volunteers who want to contribute to the cleanup of Caney Shaft and its road system can call 606-390-0748. Smith says if there is no answer, you can leave your name and contact number, and someone will get back to you.