| Visit a National Forest |
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 Once again, spring is upon us and folks are getting outside to enjoy the beauty of the season. I’ve noticed that campsites in the Pisgah National Forest empty only a month ago have begun to fill up with campers. Streams are now teeming with fishermen and trails are sporting more hikers - the first round of AT thru hikers are just now making their way through the town of Franklin, NC. With migratory bird season in full swing the forests are also attracting eager wildlife watchers. Because most of our public lands are free it’s no wonder that people are flocking to them for recreation and vacation during these tough economic times. Financial resources are tight for everyone, so recreating in a nearby national forest is great way to spend vacation time and support your local economy. For folks living on the East coast, the national forests of the Southeast are within a day’s drive. They provide ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, bird watching, camping, and picnicking. All of these things contribute to local economies as people purchase gear, provisions, and outdoor recreation services like rafting. You may never have thought about how important public lands are for sustaining local economies. Many rural areas rely on national forest visitors to help keep their economy healthy. With the growing popularity of outdoor recreation it’s easy to understand just how valuable the average forest visitor can be. According to a recent study conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, bird watching alone contributes more $85 billion to the nation’s economy and helps sustain over 860,000 jobs.  And bird watching isn’t even the most popular activity. The number one reason people visit public lands is to enjoy a scenic drive. There is nothing, however, like getting your feet on the ground. If everyone who typically drives a scenic route went on a hike, stopped at a local restaurant for lunch, or stayed at a campground, just think how much revenue could be generated.We so often take for granted the economic importance of our natural resources. Many people see public lands as a burden on rural counties who desperately depend on tax revenue. But it only takes a shift in thinking to recognize how precious a resource these places are. These treasures have to be protected and carefully managed to provide the full benefit to local economies. For this reason, a balance must be struck between protecting the beauty of areas and the desire for utilizing resources. Remember that even though things like logging can contribute to the economy in the short run they don’t compare to the value of maintaining a natural setting for all to enjoy. So, if you’re looking for a way to take that trip this year without breaking the bank while still stimulating local economies, consider a visit to a national forest near you. Here are a couple of suggestions to get your started: - High Knob, Jefferson National Forest, VA - Standing Indian Campground, Nantahala National Forest, NC - Chatooga River, Sumter National Forest, SC - Cherohola Skyway, Cherokee National Forest, TN - Cohutta Wilderness, Chattahoochee National Forest, GA - Sipsey Wilderness, Bankhead National Forest, AL 
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