Communities

Southern Alleghenies Outdoor Recreation Economy Strategy

Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission
Cloudy sky over a serene lake with surrounding hills and a rocky path in the foreground.

SE Group partnered with the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission to strengthen and expand the outdoor recreation economy across a six-county region in south-central Pennsylvania. This effort, Alleghenies Outdoors: Moving the Recreation Economy Forward, built a comprehensive picture of the region’s outdoor recreation assets, businesses, and opportunities while outlining strategies to enhance economic resilience, workforce retention, and regional collaboration.

Group walking on a trail beside a lake, under a cloudy sky.

The Challenge

This region was at a crossroads, facing the decline of traditional industries, population shifts, and the need to diversify its economy. Although the area boasts significant recreation resources, many were disconnected, under-promoted, or lacked coordinated stewardship and business support. Without a unified approach or the analytical tools to guide investment, the full potential of outdoor recreation as an economic engine remained untapped.

SE Group’s Role

SE Group partnered with SAP&DC, local governments, non-profits, and business leaders to conduct a thorough asset and business inventory of outdoor recreation features, trail systems, and related enterprises. The team performed market research, hosted stakeholder workshops, and mapped the interplay of physical assets and economic activity. Building on that foundation, SE Group helped the region craft strategic recommendations for trail and recreation investment, branding and destination strategies, workforce and business development, and capacity building for long-term stewardship.

Autumn trees with yellow leaves by a calm river.

The Impact

The plan gives the Southern Alleghenies a shared strategy and tools to align natural assets with economic opportunity. It sets a new standard for how rural regions can build collaborative systems, support local businesses, and attract recreation-driven investment. By leveraging its landscapes, culture, and inter-county partnerships, the region is better positioned to build resilience and offer meaningful opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Deliverables

  • Regional outdoor recreation economy assessment
  • Interactive online StoryMap and shared database of recreation assets and businesses
  • Trail and asset development strategy aligned with economic goals
  • Brand and destination enhancement plan
  • Stewardship and business-development capacity framework
  • Implementation roadmap and coordination toolkit

Services Provided

  • Regional recreation economy analysis
  • Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
  • Outdoor asset inventory and mapping
  • Economic and workforce strategy development
  • Destination branding and marketing strategy
  • Implementation planning and coordination

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