This area of research includes a team composed of researchers with backgrounds in rural sociology, natural resource economics, tourism and recreation management and community development. Projects have focused on regional development, natural resource utilization and natural resource-based economic development. Studies have been conducted on community downtown development, nature-based tourism, intergenerational community programs, festivals and event planning and management of in-migrant retiree issues.

New Publications !

Developing Naturally announces:

Spanish, Chinese, Turkish, Ukrainian, Slovak and Polish Translations of Community Tourism Development Manuals

	Tourism Planning and Development
		Developing Naturally -- Enhancing Communities - by Dr. Thomas Potts Journal Articles Slideshow Publications Events International Outreach Community Development Assistance
	Community Photo Assessment Project
		Ashley River Road Project Presents a summary of analyses integrating diverse stakeholder values in the development of a community-based application for National Scenic By-Way designation for a stretch of historic road in Charleston and Dorchester Counties, South Carolina. Combines qualitative and quantitative data derived from Resident Employed Photography (REP) analyzed through "community values interpretive modeling" techniques, representing a means for identifying "common ground" and weighing the dimensions and sub-dimensions of areas of interest.
	Quality-of-Life Issues
	Publications
		African-American Travelers
		Retiree's Choice of Community: The Importance of Recreation and Parks

	Our Team:
		Tom Potts (leader)
		Jean Martin (staff support)