SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER: AN ANALYSIS OF IOWA'S RIVERS AND STREAMS AS RECREATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

摘要

For decades people have thought of rural economic development in terms of luring manufacturers to an area with the hope of stimulating a declining economy and a declining population. Manufacturing industries were created in many rural communities andprovided some relief, but these businesses proved to be an unreliable means of economic development in the face of a shifting global economy. While manufacturing jobs have been transient, and the number of lowans engaged in the agricultural sector continues to decline, the flow of Iowa's rivers has remained steady. Though altered, and in need of revitalization, these rivers, which provided the original incentive and means for establishing the communities along their banks, remain a valuable economic resource.