Dartmoor National Park Authority is moving swiftly to identify investment opportunities within the coming months to spur the crucial generation of income.
With a 13% drop in government support – the most significant reduction in 17 years – the authority's day-to-day operations, including staff costs, are under pressure.
Yet, a £1.4m capital funding boost for projects and investments has been secured, a development Dr Kevin Bishop, DNPA's chief executive, describes as "very welcome".
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A small group of park authority members will now deliberate how to use the cash before an April deadline.
The drive for increased self-financing comes as DNPA seeks to avert job losses.
Facing a tight schedule, Dr Bishop admits that as the authority lacks an established capital investment plan due to its traditional reliance on revenue funding, this represents a new challenge.
He said: "We are starting from a standing start and own very few assets unlike some other national parks.
!We will have to work at speed. All of this is unchartered territory for us as we have had 100 per cent revenue funding in the past."
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Potential avenues being explored include property acquisition within or outside the national park, which could be leased out.
Proposals from members include launching additional car parks as potential moneymakers, or potentially lending funds to local councils to accumulate interest.
With uncertainty over whether the grant is a single instance or will persist into the future, Dr Bishop acknowledges the importance of prudent investments, noting that any generated revenue will contribute towards staff salaries.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority, with a team of approximately 90 staff, is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the moor.