Department of Conservation and Recreation

Media inquiries: Please contact Gary Waugh, gary.waugh@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5045.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 09, 2006
Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov

Appalachian Power major sponsor of new Virginia State Parks visitor information system

RICHMOND, VA – Appalachian Power has committed to be the first major sponsor of a new visitor information system to be installed in Virginia State Parks next spring.

The Virginia State Parks Interpretive Information System uses outdoor/indoor, weather- and vandal-resistant, touch screen, interactive information stations to provide park guests with state park and local attractions information 24 hours a day.

“The new guest information system is an exciting new feature for Virginia State Parks, and at Appalachian Power we’re proud to be the program’s premiere corporate partner,” said R. Daniel Carson, external affairs vice president, Appalachian Power. “The information stations give users access to valuable information about their favorite state park. Along the way we hope they can learn a bit about Appalachian Power, our community support, our environmental commitment and the role we play each day in protecting some of the most beautiful lakeside parks in western Virginia.”

The award-winning Virginia State Parks, managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is working with Imperial Multimedia of Baraboo, Wis., to develop the system, which includes GPS-based trail information, wildlife spotting guides, in-depth information on park amenities, printable guides and maps, program descriptions and more.The stations will also provide interactive virtual tours of every trail in each of the 31 parks selected for the project.

“Imperial Multimedia is thrilled to have Appalachian Power demonstrate their commitment to Virginia's state parks and their leadership in the communities where they do business, by becoming the first major sponsor of the Virginia State Parks Information Stations,” said Lawrence Fisher, director of experience development for Imperial Multimedia. “By supporting the Information Station program in Virginia's State Parks, Appalachian Power will enable park guests to access a world of information about Virginia's natural places and about the resources available to them in and around the state parks.”

The new system will be installed in 31 state parks by spring 2007. The proprietary information program builds on a structure that has been successfully used in the Wisconsin State Park system.

“We’re pleased Appalachian Power has agreed to be the trail-blazing, first major partner in this program and we’re delighted they are onboard,” said Joe Elton, DCR’s state parks director. “The new information stations will transform a visitor’s experience at a state park. The stations also give local businesses and attractions opportunities to merchandise food and other visitor destinations to park visitors.”

Businesses and service providers can visit the Imperial Multimedia website, www.imperialmultimedia.com/vaparks/, to learn how to participate in the project. The website features expanded information about the project; a sample of the type of information that will be available; and additional opportunities for sponsorship and special-interest partners.

For more information about Virginia State Parks, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov or call toll-free, 800-933-PARK (7275).

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Appalachian Power - Virginia State Parks visitor information system

FACT SHEET

Appalachian Power will have a custom video message in the information station of each of the selected parks, with special video presentations in Smith Mountain Lake State Park and Claytor Lake State Park. Also, Appalachian Power’s logo will appear on each park map printed from the information station in these parks.

Natural Tunnel State Park
Southwest Virginia Museum State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
Hungry Mother State Park
New River Trail State Park
Claytor Lake State Park
Fairy Stone State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
James River State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
Wilderness Road State Park
Douthat State Park
Staunton River State Park
Staunton River Battlefield State Park

(These parks were selected because they are within or directly adjacent to the Appalachian Power service area.)

Appalachian Power has signed on as a sponsor for one year, for $10,000, with an option to extend the sponsorship for an additional year at the same rate.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Information Station program, Appalachian Power's content will be accessible in any of the 31 parks in the program.

Appalachian Power played a significant role in the development of Smith Mountain and Claytor Lake state parks. Appalachian Power created both lakes for hydroelectric generation.

Upon completion of the Smith Mountain project in 1966, Appalachian Power donated 422 acres to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Economic Development for Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Shortly after the completion of the Claytor hydroelectric project in 1939, Appalachian Power worked with the state to provide 325 acres for today’s Claytor Lake State Park.

Appalachian Power plays a fundamental role in both parks through the operation of its hydroelectric facilities and the protection of the scenic, environmental and recreational qualities of the lakes.

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