Page 96 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future

• Pursue eco-tourism and agri-tourism possibilities such a map. The map can be highlighted
as a quality of life amenity for local residents as
well as an economic development strategy.
› With support from the PCEDC, develop
an eco-tourism and agri- tourism action
plan, as a component of an overall Strategic
Tourism Plan for the County. The PCEDC
previously identified eco-tourism as a
potential growth area for the County but
noted several existing limitations including a
lack of hotel options and the general lack of
connectivity of recreational amenities. The
action plans can identify strategies to help
overcome these challenges, some of which
may require County involvement such as
transportation or road projects accessing
recreation sites.
– Ensure that zoning and development
regulations allow for and encourage
eco-tourism and agri-tourism in
rural areas as well as appropriate fire
management of fire-dependent natural
communities to enhance bird and game
habitat.
› Create a package of wayfinding signage
for existing recreational assets including
state recreation areas. Coordinate signage
with Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks,
and Tourism and the Kansas Department of
Transportation for installation along KDOT
right-of-way.
› Develop a county-specific map that
highlights the recreational and open space
opportunities in Pottawatomie County.
Currently it is difficult to find information
about these resources and recreation areas
in one central location. Such a map could
also highlight local businesses that are
nearby these recreational areas or along the
routes that would be used to access them.
Paddling trails and water-based recreational
opportunities should also be included on
Adopted - August 19, 2019
on the County’s website as well as made
available in local businesses. The map
should be coordinated with the branding
effort for the County, as recommended in
the Economic Opportunity section.
• Work with the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning
Organization as they complete the first regional
trails plan for the region. Actively participate in
the planning process for this plan and coordinate
implementation of identified projects within
Pottawatomie County.
• Consider pursuing a coordinated Big Blue River
Recreation Plan, as recommended in the Big Blue
and Kansas River Floodplain Management Plan.
The recreation plan, which could be developed
jointly with Riley County, or spearheaded by the
Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization,
could delve into how to increase and promote
recreation (including hiking and paddling)
along the Big Blue River and the many existing
recreation areas that are along the Big Blue River
(but not currently connected in a meaningful
manner).
RIGHT-TO-FARM
State of Kansas Right-to-Farm Statute:
2-3201. Protection of farmland and
agricultural activities
“It is the declared policy of this state to conserve
and protect and encourage the development and
improvement of farmland for the production of
food and other agricultural products. The legislature
finds that agricultural activities conducted on
farmland in areas in which nonagricultural uses have
moved into agricultural areas are often subjected
to nuisance lawsuits, and that such suits encourage
and even force the premature removal of the lands
from agricultural uses. It is therefore the purpose of
this act to provide agricultural activities conducted
on farmland protection from nuisance lawsuits.”
| 89