It’s a red-letter day for Martin County. A major expansion of the First Frontier Appalachian Trails is on the horizon following a significant licensing agreement between the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority and Pocahontas Land Company.
This agreement heralds an integration of an impressive 46,500 acres of land into the trail system, making it a potentially game-changing moment.
Michael Blackburn, president and CEO of Pocahontas Land Company, made it clear that he and his company see this as a mutual opportunity for Pocahontas and Martin County. Blackburn’s excitement and optimism in a trail authority meeting Tuesday in Inez indicate his belief in the project’s potential success.
We commend Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty and his administration for their determined effort to bring Pocahontas Land to the table and create a broad vision for the county’s growth. Lafferty’s focus on leveraging the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains for increasing tourism and recreational activities is both practical and insightful.
The proposal to name the trails in honor of the coal miners of Martin County underscores a thoughtful understanding of the region’s cultural and historical context. It not only celebrates the hard work and sacrifices of the miners, but it also brings attention to the intricate balance between economic development and cultural preservation.
The anticipated growth of the trail is an exciting prospect, not just for the KMRRA but also for all lovers of outdoor activities. This expansion will offer a new playground for off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, equestrians and mountain bicyclists while linking Martin County’s trails to the famed Hatfield-McCoy Trails.
The proposed membership fee schedule appears well-considered, with discounts for residents. Eric Mills’ suggestion to waive the first-year membership fee is a thoughtful strategy that could ease residents into this new arrangement. It’s an encouraging sign of county officials’ sensitivity towards local needs and their commitment to garnering community support.
We appreciate the candidness of Jerry Stacy in acknowledging the initial opposition that the Hatfield-McCoy Trails faced and are optimistic that lessons have been learned from that experience. Stacy’s belief in transforming critics into ardent supporters reflects a measured understanding of change management, which is often required in community-driven projects of this scale.
Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills’s reminder that locals can still ride other trails is a comforting assurance for residents, especially those concerned about losing their beloved outlaw trails to commercial interests.
The visible economic impact of the anticipated trail system, with investments already pouring into development in the region, signals a promising future.
The KMRRA has a mammoth task ahead, but with thoughtful stewardship, community engagement and mindful development, the First Frontier Appalachian Trails has the potential to become an outstanding asset. We look forward to seeing how this expansive and ambitious project evolves and impacts the region in the coming years.