ISSUE: Like it or not, tourism is coming to Friendsville and boaters are riding on the front of the wave into town. Friendsville will soon have mountain bikers, hikers, and fishermen as well as boaters crowding the downtown area as new riverside hiking and biking trails are completed. The increased use will impact the town unless the community takes action now to plan responsibly for visitor parking, etiquette, dining, and housing.
GOAL: Improve private boater parking and community relations. Obtain a new parking area for boaters that is off Main Street and upstream of town. Preserve existing opportunities to access the river. Encourage the town of Friendsville to take a frank look at the rapidly increasing development pressures in the town and develop a strategic plan that welcomes visitors while also protecting the local community’s social fabric.