Saving RDU Forest
A long-term vision to preserve, expand and enhance a unique community asset
RDU Forest
RDU Forest • Centrally located • 6.1 mi border with Umstead
State Park • Lake Crabtree: most popular
Wake County park • Many visitors & activities
Existing quarry
Lake Crabtree County Park
• RDU Forest = critical greenway hub • National E Coast Greenway link • Mountains to Sea; Carolina Connection
RDU Airport Snapshot
• Successful 10-year expansion • 400 daily arrivals and departures • 5.5 million trips in 2016 (+10%)
• Growing demands on operations
Vision 2040 Snapshot
• 2015 Vision 2040: new 25-year master plan • $500+ million expansion / upgrade of aviation operations • New runway, repairs; new parking lots / decks • Consolidated rental car facility; new road system •General aviation / cargo improvements • New AA offices • Land Use Plan
Quarry
Office Park/Hotel on Lake Crabtree
Park
Remote Parking
Draft RDU “Vision 2040” Land Use Plan
quarry
Lake Crabtree County Park
RDUA Land Available for Sale or Lease
• Parcel 1 possible lease to quarry; NC Conservation Fund $6.46 M offer • Wake County proposed lease of 2 & 3 for trail system • At risk: loss of a community asset and long-term revenue generation
RDU Airport will develop existing forest, which is on public land.
RDU Forest Trail Center and Village
An alternative, long-term vision for cohesive recreational development
Preserve Expand Enhance
RDU Forest Village - Intl Mountain Biking
Assoc national recreation destination
- Eco-friendly hotel, conference center, restaurant, shops
- High-quality, nature-based experience
- Unique community asset; sustainable, long-term revenue
RDU Forest Village Potential New Activities
Corporate retreats, ropes, climbing, zip line, advanced cycling
Example: Snowmass Resort, CO. ✓ Year-round recreation ✓ 75 miles mountain and hiking trails, multiple experience levels ✓ Abundance of educational and cultural attractions ✓ Thriving village with restaurants, lodging/shops ✓ Conference center ☒ Airport not conveniently located
Example: Baltimore/Washington Intl Airport ✓ BWI Hiker-Biker Trail: 12.5 miles of paved surfaces and wooden
boardwalks circling airport through green spaces and forest. ✓ Connects hikers, bicyclists, walkers and joggers to airport,
community resources, public transportation, other area recreation facilities.
✓ Health Magazine named BWI second-healthiest US airport in 2008 ☒ Limited trails, limited difficulties ☒ Too small for IMBA Certification
Government
• Unlocks additional real estate values + tax revenues
• “Hub” strengthens existing + planned greenway system
• Adds benefits to attract skilled workers & corporate HQs
• Adds to “best places” ranking
• Quality of Life investment in next 1m citizens
Business
• Helps attract & retain skilled workers
• Unique location option
• Unique team building & event options
• Quality of Life investment increases employee satisfaction & productivity
• Supports local businesses
Citizens
• Creates national recreation destination
• Saves the best & only centrally located MTB area
• Saves most visited Wake County Park
• Greenway hub • Expanded and new
outdoor and entertainment activity options
RDU Forest Village adds to economic development AND quality of life in the Triangle.
Environmental advantages of saving RDU Forest
• Preserves recreational areas • Lessens flooding (Crabree Creek) • Protects water quality by protecting an
environmentally sensitive watershed area to Crabtree Creek
• Supports clean air and water • Moderates temperature fluctuations • Protects rare ecosystems, native plants
• “286” area is a blue heron protected nesting area • Eagles at Lake Crabtree
• Promotes health though exercise, clean air
What you can do to help:
• Fight a new quarry • Join our mailing list at
RDUForest.com and commit yourself to future action! • Sign the petition • Partners: Spread the word
to your audience. Publicly support saving RDU Forest. • Identify new partners • Contact city and county
government officials • Other ideas?