North Carolinians can be proud of the many assets which our state offers, not the least of which is the portion of the beautiful 469 mile Blue Ridge Parkway which passes through our state. Even for those of us who don't live near the parkway, it is still within an easy day's ride from all points within the state. It is not unusual on any trip along the parkway to see vehicle tags from states across the nation, indicating just how much of a travel destination our parkway is to those from other parts of the nation.
As with many other federally funded parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway has suffered over the past few years due to budget constraints which have caused a substantial deficit in the monies which are needed for more than just the day to day operation of the parkway. Enter the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. The Foundation does not fund the Parkway's operational budget, which is the responsibility of the federal government. However, the operational budget is overwhelmed by basic needs, like employing Park staff who provide information to the public and work with Parkway communities and employing maintenance staff who mow the grass, clean the restrooms, take care of the infrastructure and make minor repairs.
Because current funding levels leave no room for growth, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation provides private funding to the Blue Ridge Parkway for those projects and programs that
- add a margin of excellence to the park's mission,
- enhance the visitor's experience, and
- have a lasting value.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation receives funds solely from donations, and many of you currently have Blue Ridge Parkway plates on your cars, one of the methods of raising funds for the foundation. Now we all have an additional opportunity to further participate in the fundraising efforts of the foundation, while showing our pride in the parkway, by purchasing BRP plates for our motorcycles.
Please visit the Foundation website http://www.brpfoundation.org/ and consider signing up for your Blue Ridge Parkway motorcycle plate, or you can go directly to the tag application at
We mentioned earlier that one of North Carolina's very own GWRRA members has made the news. Bob Hennard, member of Chapter E in Cary, was recently featured on the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation blog for his extraordinary efforts in promoting Blue Ridge Parkway plates throughout North Carolina. You will be able to read more about Bob's continuing efforts at: http://www.blueridgeparkwayblog.com/motorcycling/general/beyond-the-call-of-duty .
Thanks for allowing us to share this information with you,
Dennis and Kathy Hull
GWRRA-NC District Directors