Business and Recreation Work Group
Mission
The Business and Recreation Work Group focuses on developing positive connections and enhancing understanding of the monetary and aesthetic values of the French Broad River and its tributaries. By working with the business community stakeholders in the eight Western North Carolina counties that form the watershed, we believe the basin can support both values in ways that are river-friendly and sustainable for future generations to enjoy.
Chair Members
Jay Hawthorne: johnhawthorne@gmail.com
Sarah Fraser (support role): sfraser@newbelgium.com
Current Work Group Focus
- Supporting Helene Recovery for the river and river-based businesses through focus on debris removal on sections 8, 9 and 10 of the French Broad. This activity will support the ecological and economic vitality of the watershed.
Long Term Goals
- Continue pursuit of long-tern Helene Recovery projects where Work Group members can play a vital role in working with the business community and non-profit organizations.
- Revive River Use Study
- Prior to Hurricane Helene, the Workgroup had assembled a research team, developed a comprehensive study framework, and secured the majority of the project’s funding.
- In the aftermath of the disaster, the Work Group redirected both financial resources and personnel toward watershed recovery work.
- The group plans to resume this project with their research team in the near future (2026)
Work Group Highlights
- Completion of Economic Impact Study, the “Value of Water,” in partnership with Western Carolina University revealing an economic impact of $3.8 billion annually.
- Findings were presented at the Outdoor Economy Conference and featured on the front page of the Asheville Citizen Times.
- Since completing the study, we’ve presented the data and results to 18 groups of local leaders throughout the watershed increasing awareness and understanding of the importance of how investing in the ecological health of our waterways supports economic vitality.