Delta Outdoor Economy Advisory Council

The Delta Outdoor Economy Advisory Council purpose is to enhance local community well-being and strengthen the regional economy by harnessing the power of outdoor recreation and conservation. Its core logic is that by fostering collaboration the Council can move from ad-hoc, individual efforts to a unified, strategic approach. This collaboration will lead to the identification and pursuit of shared goals, such as securing funding for new infrastructure, promoting regional assets, and advocating for supportive policies. By pooling resources and knowledge, the Council will generate a cumulative impact that far exceeds the sum of its individual parts, leading to tangible outcomes like job creation, tourism growth, and improved quality of life for Delta residents, ultimately closing the gap in outdoor economy growth relative to other parts of the state.

Interested in joining this advisory council? Send us an introductory email.

Context & Mission

The Delta Outdoor Economy Advisory Council (DOE) brings a unified, regional strategy to the Arkansas Delta’s outdoor recreation and cultural heritage sectors. By moving past fragmented town-by-town projects, the Council connects local goals with state and federal initiatives to create business growth, preserve the environment, and improve community well-being.

The Council serves as a formal, trusted partner for the region. It positions the Arkansas Delta to work directly with state agencies, institutional partners, and foundations to secure funding and keep economic benefits inside local communities.

Objectives

Project Delivery and Local Support

The Council bridges the gap between local ideas and matching funds. It provides the planning documents, trail maps, and design packages that local leaders need to win competitive grants. Through partnerships with Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas, the Council helps move projects from early concepts into active construction.

Funding and Resource Mobilization

To build long-term financial stability, the Council uses a two-part funding strategy:

  • Leveraging Grants: The Council secures private donations and local capital to serve as the required matching funds to unlock larger state and federal infrastructure grants.

Heritage and Nature Tourism

The Council uses professional storytelling and regional maps to attract visitors. By highlighting how the Delta’s arts, nature, and history connect the Council establishes the region as a destination for cultural and outdoor tourism.

Workforce and Youth Development

The Council uses project infrastructure to improve local quality of life and retain regional talent. By working with community colleges, design programs, and local employers, the Council creates clear paths to local jobs. This gives area youth and successful expatriates a strong reason to stay and invest their skills back into the Delta.

State and Agency Alignment

The Council integrates Delta projects into state agency planning to ensure regional projects are prioritized for funding, marketing, and technical support.

Pillars of the Delta Outdoor Economy

The Council coordinates its work across multiple areas:

  • Adventure: Active outdoor activities including hunting and fishing, gravel and road cycling, paddling and water trails, trail running, aviation, motorsports, etc.

  • Hospitality & Services: Local businesses along trail routes, including lodging, guide services, restaurants, and housing revitalization.

  • Manufacturing & Retail: Supporting regional gear and equipment manufacturers and outdoor retail anchors.

  • Education: Workplace training, youth outdoor programs, and university-level research and design partnerships.

  • Conservation: Public and private land stewardship, wildlife management, and state park support that protects natural spaces while allowing low-impact visitor access.

5-Year Vision: What Success Looks Like (2031)

By 2031, the Council aims to make the Arkansas Delta a national model for rural, outdoor-led community revitalization:

  • Economic Momentum: Flagship networks—such as the 250-mile Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail, the Cache River Water Trail, and the Great River Road Trail—will be fully complete. They will feature clear safety signage, permanent trailheads, and steady visitor traffic that improves quality of life and supports local businesses.

  • Empowered Communities: Local business owners, youth cohorts, and community leaders will be fully connected to the outdoor economy. Area schools will use place-based Arkansas history and environmental science lessons to build community pride and prepare students for local jobs.

  • Strategic Stability: The Council will stand as the permanent, reliable voice for regional priorities. It will ensure lasting success through steady agency partnerships, public advocacy, and reliable access to grant funding.

MEMBERS

Adam Long - Executive Director, A-State Heritage Sites

Ammen Jordan - Director, studioDRIFT

Andy Shatley – Executive Director, Rehab Services at St Bernards Healthcare; Chairperson, City of Jonesboro Connectivity Committee 

Brian Hurley – University of Arkansas

Davy Carter – Regional President of Centennial Bank

Drew Smith – Director, 75Strong

Eric Burch – Burch and Co. Real Estate, Jonesboro

Greg Webb – Captain, Paragould Fire Department 

Joseph Whitfield – Director, Delta Magic & Phillips County Chamber of Commerce

Scott Simon – Don and Millie Nelms Foundation

Tim Scott - Arkansas State Parks

William Staley – Executive Director & Creative Director, Thrive Inc, Helena