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Case Studies: Forest-Based Partnership Initiatives

Forest Based Community Tourism and Recreation

The United States Forest Service is the leading provider of outdoor recreation in the world and has a long history of involvement in resource based tourism. Tourism fits within the agency mission to "care for the land and serve people." The case studies in this publication demonstrate the innovations and commitment the United States Forest Service has made to working with other partners in developing a sustainable community and regional tourism and recreation program. August 1995.

This online guide provides information on funding programs, technical assistance, and informational resources from housing organizations. This guide was developed by the Rural Information Center in 2006. Last Modified July, 2013

The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication (or page) is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the United States Department of Agriculture or the Agricultural Research Service of any product or service to the exclusion of others that maybe suitable. For more information see National Agricultural Library Policy and Disclaimers

Contents

Allegheny National Forest and Cooperative International Marketing, Warren, PA Caribou and Nez Perce National Forests and Idaho's Statewide Recreation and Tourism Initiative, Pocatello, ID & Grangeville, ID Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Interagency Agreements and Regional Marketing, Hood River, OR Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival: Alaska's Chugach National Forest and a Community Festival, Cordova, AK Fishlake National Forest and Utah's Paiute ATV Trail: Cooperative Resource Management, Richfield, UT Inyo National Forest Recreation and Local Coalition-based Partnerships, Bishop, CA Jefferson National Forest and Collective Regional Tourism Marketing Roanoke, VA Lincoln National Forest and Local Recreation-Based Partnerships, Alamogordo, NM Ozark & Ouachita National Forests and Scenic 7 Byway: Small Scale Marketing and Local Partnerships, Russellville, AR Pacific Northwest National Forests and Multi-Cultural Tourism Partnerships Twin Falls, ID San Juan National Forest a Public-Private Association and Other Local Partnerships, Durango, CO Siskiyou National Forest and Local Sustainable Nature-based Initiatives Grants Pass, OR

Allegheny National Forest and Cooperative International Marketing

Allegheny National Forest Warren Pennsylvania Allegheny National Forest P O Box 847 222 Liberty Street Warren, PA 16365 Phone: (814) 723-5150

Key Words:

International Tourism; Tour Package Promotion; Interagency Cooperation; Quilting and Folk Art; Camping; Cabins; Boating; Water Skiing; Fishing; Swimming (beach, pool); Hiking; Interpretive Trails; Wilderness; National Scenic Areas; Environmental Education Center; Visitor Centers; Skiing; Sledding; Riding (horse, llama, snowmobile, All Terrain Vehicle).

Area Description:

The Allegheny National Forest is located in northwestern Pennsylvania. Spanning the four counties of Elk, Forest, McKean and Warren, the National Forest lies between the Allegheny and the Clarion Rivers and adjacent to the New York State boundary (see Area Location Map, page 4). Long known for its hardwood resources and beautiful fall colors, the 512,000-acre Forest includes sugar maple, black cherry and 300-400 year old hemlock, white pine and beech trees. Reforestation efforts are an important part of the conservation program in this National Forest, which supports management of recreation, wildlife, watershed, oil & gas and timbering.

Major Communities and Attractions in the Vicinity:

There are many communities with services for the traveler in the Allegheny National Forest Region (ANFR), the four-county area in which the National Forest lies. On the Forest's northwest boundary lies Warren with a population of 11,000. In the northeast is Bradford with 10,000 residents. With a population of 6,500, Ridgway marks a southeast corner and Tionesta, with 1,000 residents, lies at the Forest's southwestern entrance. A large regional population center is Erie (population 109,000) which lies a little more than an hour's drive to the northwest on Lake Erie. There are three major metropolitan areas within two or three hours' drive of the Forest: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the southwest; Buffalo, New York to the north and Cleveland, Ohio to the west.

Tourism and Recreation Resources:

The Region offers many publicly and privately run attractions. In addition to many camping and picnicking facilities, there are 500 miles of fishing streams, numerous lakes and marinas, fish hatcheries, and two wilderness areas. There are over 200 miles of hiking, backpacking, and interpretive trails in the area, including the North Country National Scenic Trail.Also found in the Region are three National Scenic Areas, the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, the Allegheny National Recreation Area (23,000 acres of semi-primitive recreation), the Allegheny Reservoir and/or River Launches, the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River, and several visitor and environmental education centers. Wildlife viewing includes birding and an elk herd- one of only two remaining free-roaming herds east of the Mississippi River. Public attractions managed by state agencies include the State Natural Areas, three State Forests, four State Parks, and various State Game Lands.

Including those privately operated, recreational amenities include golfing, miniature golf, horses and lama riding, hunting, motorcycles and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) trails, go carts, mountain biking, a scenic railroad, and plenty of sight seeing and photography. Winter activities are snowmobiling, cross country skiing, tobogganing, and ice fishing. Water sports include fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming at beaches or pools, canoeing, and bumper boats. There are also numerous privately owned campgrounds and cabins, in addition to lovely vacation homes.

Many businesses are active in the Allegheny National Forest Region providing accommodations, dining, gifts and clothing, retail, sport rental equipment, and various other services for the visitor.

Partnerships and Cooperative Initiatives:

A Cooperative International Marketing Initiative The Allegheny National Forest and the tourism promotion agencies from each of the surrounding four counties comprise the Allegheny National Forest Region (ANFR) partnership. This regional alliance launched an initiative to enhance rural development of the Region through international tourism. ANFR is targeting the German market for several reasons, including early Pennsylvania's considerable German heritage. Specifically, ANFR's immediate strategy is marketing "tour packages" to German travelers.

To further this initiative, the ANFR joined an existing partnership called the Rhode Island/Pennsylvania Tourism Task Force (RI/PA). The RI/PA Tourism Task Force's objective is to increase international tourism to the two states, particularly from Germany. Founding members of this partnership include many public and private entities: the States of Pennsylvania and Rhode Island (RI); the Convention and Visitors Bureaus of Pittsburgh and Newport, RI; US Travel and Tourism Administration (USTTA); US Air Airlines; Budget Rent-a-Car; and three tour operators, Greyline, North American Tour Organization, and Footloose Tours.

An agreement was reached to coordinate marketing activities and share resources. The ANFR is following a five-step recommendation for a tourism marketing program. Each of the recommended steps resulted in tangible German marketing initiative products, of which some examples are:

Step 1: Market Research

Allegheny National Forest Region Asset Inventory. Marketable asset information came from conducting a community survey on all recreation attractions in the Region. Regardless of type or jurisdiction, all resources and attractions are inventoried in one comprehensive document, useful both to the touring public and to industry planners. In addition to camping and other common attractions, the inventory provides a convenient guide to locate a variety of other amenities such as art galleries, festivals, spectator sporting events, touring suggestions, unique shopping, etc. These inventories were widely distributed to the tourism industry and local elected officials, and are kept updated and distributed by the ANFR partnership.

Step 2: Tourism Marketing and Development Planning

ANFR International Tourism Marketing & Development Action Plan. This Plan outlines the specific actions needed to bring German visitors to the Allegheny National Forest Region. The Plan also specifies specific goals, objectives, and strategies for successful operation of the partnership, particularly generation of community support.

Step 3: Tour Package Development and Training

Tour Packages in German Tour Operator Catalogs. The German tours are sold at the annual international trade shows and through the personal contacts of tour developers. In order to interest tour operators in specialized, in-depth tours, the ANFR had to overcome the hurdle of being an "unknown destination." A Request for Proposal process resulted in suggestions for several tours, including one which occurred in February 1994, "Pennsylvania Patterns," based on the handicraft of quilting. A second opportunity for tour packaging came in November of that year: "Understanding America," which combined outdoor activities with educational seminars on American culture.

Step 4: Travel Trade Education and Promotion

An existing ANFR image brochure was translated into German and distributed in Germany by USTTA in information packets and/or European travel trade shows. With the RI/PA Tourism Task Force, the ANFR also participated in international trade shows, familiarization tours of German newspaper and travel writers, and educational seminars in German cities for German travel agents. Further, participation in quarterly newsletters to German travel agents, a section in America Magazine (a German travel trade publication) and other advertisements assisted in promoting the region.

"Product Development" training sessions were presented to tourism vendors, covering such things as packaging, marketing and operating tours, industry familiarization tours, regional brochures, and tourism "expos."

Step 5: Consumer Education and Promotion

Marketing to the German consumer was a critical component of the ANFR international tourism promotion. USTTA mailed information packets to individuals and groups upon request and were instrumental in producing a "Travel Planner" insert in Germany's Stern Magazine which reaches a broad cross-section of consumers.

To supplement educational efforts, the Allegheny National Forest has also formed a partnership with the Warren Color Slide Club to obtain slides taken by club members of tourism sites and activities in the four counties during all four seasons.

Key Contacts:

Kathe Frank, Information Specialist, and Liaison for the Allegheny National Forest Region (ANFR), Allegheny National Forest, PO Box 847, 222 Liberty Street, Warren, Pennsylvania 16365, Telephone (814) 723-5150, FAX (814) 726-1465.

Mark Hoy, Past Chairman of Rhode Island/Pennsylvania (RI/PA) Tourism Task Force; Director, Office of Travel Marketing, Pennsylvania Department of Commerce, 453 Forum Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, Telephone (717) 787-5453, FAX (717) 234-4560.

[Text adapted from materials from the Allegheny National Forest Region Outdoor Recreation Map and from the Allegheny National Forest Service Office.]

Area location map available on printed edition.

August, 1995

Caribou and Nez Perce National Forests and Idaho's Statewide Recreation and Tourism Initiative

Caribou National Forest Nez Perce National Forest Federal Building Route 2, Box 475 Pocatello, ID 83201 Grangeville, ID 83530 (208) 236-7500 (208) 983-1950

Key Words:

Wildlife, Campground Directory, Kiosks, Nez Perce Nation

Area Description:

The U.S. Forest Service has a very large land holding in the State of Idaho. National Forests include the Coeur D'Alene-Kaniksu-St Joe, Clearwater, Nez Perce, Salmon, Challis, Boise, Sawtooth, Caribou, Payette, and Targhee. Idaho has the largest wilderness area in the continental U.S. and includes parts of several forests. The area has rugged mountains and has extensive wildlife and back country recreational resources. These extensive holdings are managed by the Northern and Intermountain U.S. Forest Service Regions.

Major Communities and Attractions in the Vicinity:

Idaho is a very rural state with a population of one million. Boise, the state capital, is the largest city with a population of 130,000 people. Coeur D'Alene and Sandpoint, located in the Idaho panhandle, are key tourism communities. Two large metropolitan areas nearest these National Forests are Spokane, Washington, located near Idaho's northern panhandle, and Salt Lake City, Utah which is a major market to the southwest.

Key Tourism and Recreational Resources:

USFS Managed and Permitted Uses: More than 230 campgrounds (USFS and concessionaire maintained) are located on Forest land. Outfitting concessions include hunting, horse backpacking, river rafting, and other outfitting uses. Sun Valley ski area is also located on public lands. The USFS manages over 20 million acres in the state.

Cooperative Initiative Descriptions:

Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative: State and federal agencies in Idaho jointly support the Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative. This group's nine-member steering committee represents the major agencies and organizations with interest and responsibilities in recreation and tourism.

In the late 1980s, Forest Supervisor's in Idaho began meeting to find ways to advance the effectiveness of Forest lands management in the state. From those early efforts to enhance communications, resolve inter-regional differences within the Forest Service, and improve coordination with the state emerged the Idaho Recreation Initiative. Forest Service "seed money" hired a coordinator to be housed in the State Parks and Recreation Department. Retired Forest Supervisor Jack Lavin became the coordinator assisting the steering committee for the initiative. It evolved into the Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative with the addition of stakeholders in tourism, after the1991 merge of the Governor's Annual Conferences on Recreation and the Governor's Tourism Conference.

Now including many state and federal agencies, the initiative supports on-going efforts and evaluation of new partnership opportunities. Coordinated review of grant applications for federal rural development and transportation enhancement funds is underway, as well as various projects discussed below. Cooperation and coordination within and among the member agencies has improved dramatically, making the project a model for greater public sector efficiency and effectiveness through state and federal partnership.

Annual Recreation and Tourism Conference:

The U.S. Forest Service actively supports and contributes to the annual Idaho Governor's Conference on Recreation and Tourism. This conference now actively includes the tourism industry and land management agencies in the conference to discuss joint problems and issues related to the tourism and recreation industries. Wildlife Viewing Guide:

The major land management agencies in Idaho including the U.S. Forest Service in cooperation with the Defenders of Wildlife developed and funded a 104-page "Idaho Wildlife Viewing Guide". This guide contains locator maps, driving directions, best times to view wildlife, and types of animals found in 94 of the best wildlife viewing sites across Idaho. Each site was selected by a panel of experts from the USFS, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Audubon Council, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation(BOR). This group has formed a Watchable Wildlife Committee that coordinates the activities of the participating agencies. This book is printed and sold by the Falcon Press; ISBN number: 1-56044-021-X.

Recreation and Tourism Information:

The Idaho Tourism and Recreation Committee has developed a common public information program. This program consists of a common 1-800 telephone number, a computer bulletin board supported by the participating agencies; and development of a series of ten kiosks located throughout the state with interpretive and up-to-date information.

Camping information:

The USFS, BLM, BOR, Corp of Engineers, the Idaho RV Campgrounds Association, the Idaho Travel Council, National Park Service, Department of Parks and Recreation, National Park Service, and the Idaho Power Company developed a "RV and Campground Directory" for the State of Idaho. This 46 page directory provides detailed information on both the private, state, and federal campgrounds statewide. Over five hundred campgrounds are listed along with the various facilities available at these sites.

Nez Perce/U.S.F.S. Initiative:

The Nez Perce Indian Nation is located in Idaho. The USFS has worked with the Nez Perce to identify the flight path that Joseph and the Nation took during the war of 1877 with the U.S. Army. The Nez Perce leaders take the youth of the nation on an annual ride to see the sacred sites on the route. The USFS is also conducting a systematic inventory of Nez Perce cultural and archeological resources throughout the forest . Nez Perce Tribal members are conducting this assessment. Since the majority of land managed by the USFS was once Nez Perce land, the USFS consults with the Nation on all major projects. Development of several memoranda of understanding between the Nez Perce Nation and the USFS exist and another is being negotiated.

Governor's Award for Innovative Partnerships(1994):

The Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative received the Idaho Governor's Award for Innovative Partnerships during the 1994 Governor's Tourism Conference.

Scenic Byway System:

The Idaho Recreation and Tourism Committee assisted the Idaho Transportation Department in identifying 13 scenic byway routes throughout the state. The committee provides technical assistance though an interagency work team to the Transportation departments and makes recommendations to the Idaho Transportation Board on Federal Highway Administration funding to the byways. They have also assisted in the development of a statewide brochure that was printed and distributed during the summer of 1995.

State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan:

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation has adjusted the SCORP planning process to incorporate tourism. The Department has also developed a joint SCORPT planning team comprised of all the participating federal and state agencies involved in tourism and recreation. The plan is jointly used by all agencies to guide management and development in Idaho.

Idahost program:

The Idaho Department of Commerce has developed a six hour customer service training program provided to businesses, communities and agencies across the state. All participating agencies in the Idaho use the program throughout the state.

Annual Free Fishing Days:

Each spring, the public land management agencies help manage "Free Fishing Days: in Idaho. On this day, fishing is free to any Idaho resident. This day is used to provide a fishing experience for kids throughout the state and clean up of public areas. This effort is let by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, however, all other public land management agencies also help organize activities and events throughout the state.

Rural Development Grants:

The USFS in north central Idaho has provided rural development grants for visitor centers, ski area improvement and solid waste disposal for recreational vehicles (RV) and float boaters.

Key Contacts:

The cross-discipline Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative's Coordinator and steering committee membership are:

Coordinator: Jack Lavin, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Box 82720, Boise, Idaho 83720; Telephone (208) 334-4199

Steering Committee Members

Carl Wilgus, Department of Commerce, Box 82720, Boise, Idaho, Telephone (208) 334-2470

Mike King, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720; Telephone (208) 334-4199 Jeff Stranton, Idaho Transportation Department, Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720; Telephone (208) 334-8817

Vergil Moore, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720; Telephone (208) 334-3746

Paul Nordwall, Caribou National Forest, Federal Building. 250 South 4th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho 83201; Telephone (208) 236-7500

Mike King, Nez Perce National Forest, Rt 2, Box 475, Grangeville, Idaho 8353;, Telephone (208) 983-1950

Kay Schiepan, Bureau of Land Management, 3380 Americana Terrace, Boise, Idaho 83706; Telephone (208) 384-3089

Jim Budolfson, Bureau of Reclamation, 214 Broadway Ave, Boise, Idaho 83704; Telephone (208) 334-9084

Jim Morris, National Park Service, Craters of the Moon National Monument, box 29, Arco, Idaho 82313; Telephone (208) 527-3257

[Text written and/or adapted from materials from the USDA Forest Service.]Forest Based Community Tourism and Recreation The United States Forest Service is the leading provider of outdoor recreation in the world and has a long history of involvement in resource based tourism. Tourism fits within the agency mission to "care for the land and serve people". The case studies in this publication demonstrate the innovations and commitment the USFS has made to working with other partners in developing a sustainable community and regional tourism and recreation program.

August, 1995

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Interagency Agreements and Regional Marketing

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area 902 Wasco Avenue, Suite 200 Hood River, OR 97031 (503) 386-2333

Key Words:

Interagency Agreements; Partnerships; Regional Marketing; Land Trust; Visitor Center; Conference Center; Discovery Center; Privatization; Museum; Water Sports; Camping

Area Description:

The Gorge

Dividing Oregon and Washington, the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon, 80 miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep. Beginning approximately 20 miles upriver from the Cities of Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, the Gorge cuts the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. More than a natural wonder, the Gorge is a critical transportation corridor and is home to 50,000 people, resource dependent industries, farms, and schools. Designated as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in a 1986 federal act , this 292,500 acre territory is managed by a special cooperative process, discussed below under Partnerships and Cooperative Initiative Descriptions.

Urban Areas

Thirteen Oregon and Washington communities within the National Scenic Area are designated as Urban Areas, one of three categories considered by the Scenic Area's Management Plan. Although these areas are exempt from the land-use control aspects of the legislation, they are the focus of most economic development activities implementing the growth management goals of the 1986 National Scenic Act.

The legislation encourages industrial and commercial development in the urban areas by prohibiting or limiting new such uses outside of urban areas. Local jurisdictions are responsible for regulating and administering lands in the urban areas.

Key Tourism and Recreation Resources and Travel Services:

Tourism, Traveler Services, and Recreation Resources: USFS Managed and Permitted Uses

Interpretive Programs: Skamania Lodge Forest Service Information Center, Multnomah Falls Visitor Center, Lost Lake Trail, Cloud Cap Inn, and Wind River Nursery.

Gorge History Interpretive Sites: Eagle Creek Picnic Area, Campground, and Trail; Deschutes River Oregon Trail Crossing; Fort Rock; Lewis and Clark encampment; Horsethief Lake State Park.

Recreation Opportunities, including camping: primitive, campground, and recreational vehicles; water activities: fishing, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, wind surfing; sightseeing: fall colors, wildflowers, geologic and unique environments; picnicking; hiking; mountain biking; wildlife viewing; horseback riding; cross-country skiing and snowmobiling

Community/Region-wide: Memaloose Island; Celilo Falls Park; Drano Lake; The Dalles Dam Visitors Center; Vista House; Cascade Locks Historical Museum; Hood River County Historical Museum; Hutson Museum; Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center; Gorge Heritage Museum; Fort Dalles Museum; Maryhill Museum of Art; Klicktat County Historical Museum; Bonneville Dam Visitor Center and the Fort Cascades Historic Trail.

Partnerships and Cooperative Initiative Descriptions:

A Partnership Process Responding to a concern about who should manage the Columbia River Gorge, in 1986 President Ronald Reagan signed into law an Act creating the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Act did not create a wilderness or park. Rather, it created a process by which allowed for the existing rural and scenic characteristics to be retained, while simultaneously encouraging compatible growth and development.

The National Scenic Area Act has two purposes:

1. To protect and provide for the enhancement of the scenic, cultural, recreational, and natural resources of the Gorge; and

2. To protect and support the economy of the Gorge by encouraging growth to occur in existing urban areas and by allowing future economic development outside these areas if it is compatible with Gorge resources.

To achieve these purposes, the National Scenic Act called for a new partnership between the USDA Forest Service, a bi-state regional agency named the Columbia River Gorge Commission, the states of Oregon and Washington, and the six counties with land in the Scenic Area. The Act also called for interagency and tribal cooperation and coordination.

Created by an inter-state compact, the Columbia River Gorge Commission has several responsibilities under this Act for overseeingthe Gorge in conjunction with other entities. The Forest Service manages recreation facilities and National Forest lands, provides technical assistance including help with resource protection programs. Several tourism and marketing partnership activities are ongoing. These involve the Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association, GorgeTrust, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, and Skamania Lodge.

The Columbia River Gorge Commission:

The Commission is comprised of twelve voting members appointed by the governors of Oregon and Washington and the six counties within the National Scenic Area. Its responsibilities include planning, implementation of the Management Plan and hearing appeals of land use decisions arising from the local counties' related land use ordinance enforcement.

Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association:

A six-county marketing organization was formed in 1990 to compliment local tourism and marketing efforts while promoting the area as a regional destination. With the Forest Service as an early and contributing participant, the Visitors Association mission is to "create and promote an image of the Columbia River Gorge as an attractive overnight destination" and to "aggressively market the communities of the Columbia River Gorge..."

GorgeTrust:

In 1993, the Columbia River Gorge Commission perceived the need for land trust capability to meet the following objectives: community and land stewardship, land conservation, community education and interpretation, community forum sponsorship, and special projects which are physical, capital, or programmatic. Once GorgeTrust is formally in place as an independent, non-profit entity, it will work toward assuring the economic, environmental, and social health of the region over the long term.

Skamania Lodge Conference Center:

The legislation which created the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in 1986 authorized $5 million in federal funds for the construction of a conference center. Skamania County, Washington, was selected as the site for this development. A public-private partnership was established between the USFS, the Columbia River Gorge Commission, Skamania County, and Grayco Resources (developer for the facility). This is a very successful, full- service conference facility.

Partnering with Skamania Lodge has been a tremendous opportunity for the Forest Service who has been able to operate a year-round visitor center at the lodge. Nearly 10,000 visitors a month visit the information center to obtain visitor and recreation information and often purchase interpretive sale items as well.

Crate's Point Interpretive Complex:

A unique five-way public/private partnership has formed to plan, design, and construct the official interpretive center for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Crates Point, which is approximately three miles down river from The Dalles, Oregon, has been selected as the site for this development.

The facility will also be home to the Wasco County Historical Museum, the Oregon Trail Living History Park, and the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Upon completion, the Crate's Point Interpretive Complex will have created an interpretive center of national stature, serving as a tourism destination, and providing a boost to the economy of Wasco County and the east Gorge.

Wasco County Historical Museum:

The Wasco County Historical Museum will display the artifacts and heritage of a county which once stretched eastward to the Continental divide.

The Oregon Trail Living History Park:

In 1993, the Oregon Trail Living History Park was created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Oregon Trail and to depict life in the Columbia Gorge region during the mid-1800s.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center:

To highlight the Columbia River Gorge as a special area deserving of its national designation, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center will focus on four major themes: (1) the spectacular geologic creation of the gorge; (2) its diverse ecosystem and climate; (3) 10,000 years of culture--from ancient American Indians, through the modern era; and (4) the modern challenges of stewardship. An active five-way partnership among the Forest Service, Wasco County, Wasco County Historical Museum, the Columbia Gorge Commission, and the Citizens for the Gorge Discovery Center has brought privatization to this venture to an unusual extent among projects utilizing federal funds.

Names, Addresses, and Phone Numbers of Partners:

Columbia River Gorge Commission, PO Box 730, White Salmon, WA 98672; (509) 493-3323; John Doherty, Executive Director.

Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association, PO Box 204, Corbett, OR 97019; Mike Ferris, USFS, (503) 386-2333.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, PO Box 998, The Dalles, OR 97058; Bill LaMarche, Executive Director, Citizens for the Gorge Discovery Center, (503) 296-8600.

Skamania Lodge, PO Box 189, Stevenson, WA 98648; Ian Muirdan, Manager, (800) 221-7117, (503) 274-5432, Fax (503) 228-5268.

Key Contact:

Michael S. Ferris, Public Affairs Officer, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, 902 Wasco Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031, (503) 386-2333.

[Text and map adapted from Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, a marketing package distributed by the USDA Forest Service. Materials used include: "Tourism/Marketing/Public-Private Partnerships in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area," "An Overview: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Management Plan," "Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area," "Columbia Gorge Visitor and Recreation Guide," and "Gorge vistas: A Visitor's Guide to National Forest recreation opportunities in the Columbia River Gorge."]

August, 1995

Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival: Alaska's Chugach National Forest and a Community Festival

Chugach National Forest Cordova Alaska Chugach National Forest P.O. Box 280 Cordova, AK 99574 (907) 424-7661

Key Words:

Festival, Economic Diversification, Rural Development,Wildlife Reserve

Area Description:

Stretching for over 700,000 acres, the Copper River Delta in south-central Alaska occupies the eastern one-third of the Chugach National Forest (see Area Location Map). A living tapestry of muskeg and water, the Delta is the largest contiguous wetland on the Pacific coast of North America. Much of this incomparable wetland ecosystem is under the management of the Chugach National Forest. Recognizing the significance of the Copper River Delta to the fish and wildlife resources of Alaska, the Alaska Natio nal Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in 1978 stipulated that the Copper River Delta be managed with primary emphasis "...for the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats."

The rich tidal mudflats of the wetland/ocean margin are a vitally important resting and refueling stop for millions of shorebirds during spring and fall migrations. In early May, the tidal flats of the Delta shimmer with the activity of hundreds of thousands of shorebirds. As many as 5 million shorebirds rest and feed on the tidal flats, considered the most important shorebird staging area in the western hemisphere. Millions of western sandpipers and dunlins (representing almost 100 percent of their west coast populations) migrate through the Copper River Delta each year, refueling on their long journey to their breeding grounds in western and northern Alaska.

Major Communities in the Vicinity:

Settled in green forested lowlands, the sleepy fishing community of Cordova is the gateway to the Copper River Delta. With one of the five largest boat harbors in the state, Cordova's commercial fishing is the mainstay of this friendly community of 3,000 people. In recent years, a slump in salmon prices coupled with the effects of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, have contributed to the volatility of the community's economy. Cordova's plight led to renewed calls for strategies and action plans to diversify the local economy. Many of Cordova's economic strategies are tied to developing its visitor industry and its abundant natural resources.

Access to Cordova is limited to daily air service and to biweekly Alaska Marine Highway ferries. Currently, Cordova ranks as the 20th most visited community in the state, drawing 14,800 visitors in 1993. By comparison, nearby Valdez drew 109,700 visitors and Seward drew 208,300 visitors that same year.

Cooperative Initiative Descriptions: The Project:

In May 1990, the Copper River Delta was designated a Hemispheric Site in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN). This network identifies vital shorebird habitats throughout the western hemisphere and strives to provide for their protection. As part of the 1990 WHSRN dedication celebrations, the Copper River Delta Institute in partnership with the Cordova Ranger District, conducted the first Copper River Delta Shorebird Workshop. The goal of this first effort was to educate and excite Cordovans about the area's remarkable shorebird resource. Approximately thirty Cordova residents attended the two-night course and field trips. In 1991, the Shorebird Workshop was expanded to include out-of-to wn visitors. Approxi mately 75 birders (25 fro m the Anchorage area) participated in t h e e v e ni n g s essi o n a n d fi el d tri p. T h e Distri ct's p ositi v e f e e d b a c k l e d t o pl a ns t o f urt h er e x p a n d t h e 1 9 9 2 w or ks h o p.

Fro m Forest Service Workshop to Co m munity Festival :

After the success of the 1992 Shorebird Workshop, the Cordova Ranger District worked with the Cordova Cha mber of Co m merce to acquire a $8,000 r ur al d e v el o p m e nt gr a nt. T his gr a nt w as us e d t o assist t h e C h a m b er i n t h e pl a n ni n g a n d e x e c uti o n of f ut ur e s h or e bir d e v e nts. W it h t his assist a n c e, t h e Cha mber of Co m merce was able to take over the shorebird workshop and transfor m it into a true, co m munity festival.

Since 1993, one objective of the Shorebird Festival has been to increase the nu mber of out-of-to wn visitors. While the Cordova area has diverse and a b u n d a nt n at ur al a n d c ult ur al r es o ur c es, its li mit e d a c c ess r estri cts visit ati o n. T hr o u g h p art n ers hi ps wit h t h e A n c h or a g e C h a pt er of t h e A u d u b o n S o ci et y , a n d dis c ussi o ns wit h tr a v el s er vi c es, w e w er e a bl e t o b ot h wi d el y p u bli ci z e t h e e v e nt a n d h el p of f er r e as o n a bl e r at es. T h e str at e g y t o m a k e it e as y a n d i n e x p e nsi v e t o visit C or d o v a yi el d e d gr e at r et ur ns. F or t h e l ast t hr e e y e ars, visit ors t o t h e C o p p er Ri v er D elt a S h or e bir d F esti v al h a v e fill e d e v er y h ot el and bed and breakfast roo m in to wn.

B y t h e si xt h a n n u al c el e br ati o n i n 1 9 9 5, t h e C o p p er Ri v er D elt a S h or e bir d F esti v al h a d gr o w n t o a fi v e- d a y e v e nt w hi c h f e at ur e d a wi d e r a n g e of c hil dr e n's a cti viti es, a n e v e ni n g c o n c ert, e d u c ati o n al pr es e nt ati o ns, fi el d tri ps a n d ot h er c o m m u nit y a cti viti es. T h e C or d o v a R a n g er Distri ct c o or di n at e d a wide-range of media coverage for the event. The local ne wspaper, The Cordova Ti mes, published a series of articles about the shorebird migration and F esti v al. R e gi o n al n e ws p a p ers a n d r a di o st ati o ns als o r a n st ori es a b o ut t h e e v e nt. A n A n c h or a g e T V st ati o n pr o d u c e d a t hirt y mi n ut e pr o gr a m a b o ut t h e F esti v al a n d bir di n g o p p ort u niti es o n t h e C o p p er Ri v er D elt a. Als o, n ati o n al c o v er a g e w as pr o vi d e d b y C N N, Al as k a M a g a zi n e a n d W il d Bir d M a g a zi n e.

R e vi e ws of t h e e v e nt fr o m visit ors, l o c al p arti ci p a nts a n d ar e a r esi d e nts w er e u n a ni m o usl y p ositi v e. T h e 1 9 9 5 C o p p er Ri v er D elt a S h or e bir d F esti v al contributed an esti mated $45,000 to the area's econo my. Both birders and residents are looking for ward to expanding the event in the co ming years.

The Partners :

The Cordova Ranger District has worked with a diverse group of partners in the planning and i mple mentation of the Shorebird Festival. The Copper Ri v er D elt a I nstit ut e, U S Fis h & Wil dlif e S er vi c e, Al as k a D e p art m e nt of Fis h & G a m e, Pri n c e Willi a m S o u n d C o m m u nit y C oll e g e, Pri n c e Willi a m Sound Science Center, A R C O, British Petroleu m, E R A Aviation, Alaska Airlines, Cordova School District, Cordova Cha mber of Co m merce, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and the Anchorage Chapter of the Audubon Society have contributed both ti me and money to this event.

Why Did It Work?

Aft er si x y e ars of e x p eri e n c e wit h t h e e v ol vi n g C o p p er Ri v er D elt a S h or e bir d F esti v al, t his is a n a p pr o pri at e ti m e t o e v al u at e t h e e v e nt a n d a n al y z e w h y t h e pr o gr a m h as s u c c e e d e d. T h e distri ct f e els t h at n o si n gl e f a ct or h as g u ar a nt e e d t h e f esti v al's s u c c ess, b ut r at h er t h at t h e f esti v al r e pr es e nts a u ni q u e c o n v er g e n c e of a n u m b er of f a ct ors -- s o m e wit hi n t h e p ur vi e w of t h e F or est S er vi c e a n d s o m e wit h o ut. T h e f oll o wi n g it e ms h a v e b e e n criti c al t o t h e s u c c ess of t his c o m m u nit y f esti v al.

Changing Econo my of Co m munity. As revenue fro m co m mercial fishing declined, the co m munity began to search for ways to diversify the econo my. Considering the exceptional natural resources of the area, and the co m munity's dependence on these resources, eco touris m opportunities beca me a vi a bl e o pti o n t o di v ersif y t h e e c o n o m y.

N ati o n al I nt er est I n N o n- C o ns u m pti v e Us es of Wil dlif e. T h e cr e ati o n of t h e s h or e bir d f esti v al cl os el y f oll o w e d t h e cr e ati o n of t h e n ati o n al w at c h a bl e wil dlif e i niti ati v e. D esi g n e d t o r es p o n d t o t h e gr o wi n g i nt er est i n n o n c o ns u m pti v e us es of wil dlif e, t h e w at c h a bl e wil dlif e pr o gr a m pr o vi d e d g ui d a n c e a n d s u p p ort t o t h e pr oj e ct.

Recognition fro m the Western He misphere Shorebird Reserve Net work. The Copper River Delta was inducted into W HS R N in 1990. This international e v e nt pr o vi d e d t h e i m p et us t o f or m t h e first e d u c ati o n al w or ks h o p.

F esti v al Attr a ct e d " G o o d" Visit ors. T h e first p e o pl e t o att e n d t h e s h or e bir d f esti v al w er e l o w-i m p a ct, e c o-s e nsiti v e, a p pr e ci ati v e visit ors. T h es e " g o o d" visit ors w er e i nstr u m e nt al i n h el pi n g t h e t o w n r et hi n k its mi x e d attit u d e t o w ar d t o uris m.

Dedicated E mployees. Throughout the years, the mo mentu m for the shorebird festival has been maintained by a s mall group of Forest Service e mployees and co m munity volunteers that have put extraordinary ef fort into making the festival succeed. Their contagious enthusias m has rubbed of f o nt o ot h er p e o pl e a n d h as b uilt c o m m u nit y o w n ers hi p a n d pri d e i n t h e f esti v al. E a c h y e ar , m or e p e o pl e a n d b usi n ess es v ol u nt e er t o assist i n t his partnership effort. The festival has created a strong coalition of partners who have much invested in the success of the event.

I nt e gr ati o n of F or est S er vi c e Pr o gr a ms wit h C o m m u nit y. T h e s h or e bir d f esti v al br o u g ht t o g et h er a wi d e r a n g e of distri ct pr o gr a ms a n d i niti ati v es. T h e f esti v al s pr u n g fr o m t h e F or est Distri ct's bl oss o mi n g i nt er pr eti v e a n d e d u c ati o n pr o gr a ms, r ur al d e v el o p m e nt i niti ati v es a n d i n cr e as e d i n v ol v e m e nt i n c o m m u nit y aff airs.

The Future :

At t h e e n d of t h e F esti v al, a gr o u p of e nt h usi asti c p art n ers bri efl y m et t o dis c uss pl a ns f or t h e f ut ur e. R e pr es e nt ati v es fr o m t h e C or d o v a C h a m b er of C o m m er c e, Pri n c e Willi a m S o u n d To uris m C o aliti o n, Cit y of C or d o v a, Al as k a D e p art m e nt of Fis h 8 G a m e a n d t h e F or est S er vi c e, ar e c urr e ntl y w or ki n g o n pl a ns t o e x p a n d t h e F esti v al i nt o a c o m m u nit y- wi d e c el e br ati o n of s pri n g. T e nt ati v e pl a ns i n cl u d e off eri n g a f err y tr a v el o pti o n, w or ki n g wit h a c o aliti o n of i nt er n ati o n al artists a n d li n ki n g o ur eff orts wit h ot h er Pri n c e Willi a m S o u n d e v e nts.

T h e S h or e bir d F esti v al is a n o utst a n di n g e x a m pl e of t h e p ositi v e ef fects that ecotouris m can have on a co m munity and resource. The Festival brought t o g et h er a di v ers e gr o u p of p art n ers t o off er a s p e ci al o p p ort u nit y f or visit ors. N ot o nl y di d t h e visit ors c o ntri b ut e si g nifi c a ntl y t o t h e ar e a's e c o n o m y, b ut t h e y w er e a bl e t o e x p eri e n c e a u ni q u e p u bli c r es o ur c e w hil e l e a vi n g it u nt o u c h e d. I n j ust t hr e e y e ars, t h e S h or e bir d F esti v al h as gr o w n fr o m its h u m bl e b e gi n ni n gs t o a n e v e nt t h at fills e v er y h ot el r o o m i n t o w n. All t h e p arti ci p a nts ar e e x cit e d a b o ut t his o p p ort u nit y t h at h el ps a s p e ci al pl a c e c el e br at e w h at m a k es it u ni q u e. Key Contacts:

Cal Baker, District Ranger, or Sandra Frost, Interpretive Specialist, Cordova Ranger District, Chugach National Forest P.O. Box 280 Cordova, Alaska 99574, (907) 424-7661, FAX (901) 424-7214.

Kellee Rose, Executive Director, Cordova Chamber of Commerce, P O Box 99, Cordova, AK 99574, (907) 424-7260.

Area Location Map (available on printed edition)

August, 1995

Fishlake National Forest and Utah's Paiute ATV Trail: Cooperative Resource Management

Fishlake National Forest Richfield Utah Paiute ATV Trail Committee c/o Fishlake National Forest 115 E 900 North Richfield UT 84701 Phone: (801) 896-9233

Key Words:

Scenic views; fishing; historic sites; visitor center; archaeological sites; state parks; tour guide services; wildlife viewing; camping; public land access; cross-discipline coalition

Area Description:

Fishlake National Forest lies in central Utah near the junction of Interstate Highways 15 and 70 (see Area Location Map, page 4 - available on printed edition). With over a million acres of desert plateau, unique geological formations and lush forest, Fishlake National Forest offers visitors a variety of experiences and is one of Utah's most popular recreation areas. The Forest and surrounding public lands are the site of the Paiute ATV (all terrain vehicle) Trail.

Major Attractions and Communities in the Vicinity:

The Paiute ATV Trail is a 250-mile loop over three mountain ranges and through rugged canyons and deserts that has been designed for recreational ATV riding. Most of the Trail is located in Fishlake National Forest while lower elevation portions are over lands administered by the Richfield District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Combined with its numerous side trips, the Trail offers over 650 miles of open riding. Officials estimate the Trail drew over 12,000 users in 1994.

Within easy driving distance are several national parks: Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Great Basin, Capitol Reef, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The City of Richfield, inside the Trail's loop, is the closest major population center, with a population of 6,500. Limited services are available to the traveler there as in other communities along the route. Three hours' drive to the north is Salt Lake City, the nearest metropolitan center.

Key Tourism or Recreational Resources:

The Paiute Trail provides an enjoyable recreational ride through spectacular scenery for ATV enthusiasts ranging in age from eight to seventy-five, including the physically challenged who might not otherwise have an opportunity to enjoy the public lands. The Trail is intended for families and individuals to enjoy scenic beauty, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities. Riders intent on speed and racing the Trail are discouraged because their activity is more likely to cause unacceptable resource damage and pose safety hazards.

A connection of old roads and trails through twisting canyons, foothills and forests, the route offers numerous interesting riding opportunities for ATV's. In some places, the Trail follows the Old Spanish Trail once traveled by people like Kit Carson, Chief Walkara and Spanish Conquistadors. At the south end, the trail passes near the birth place of Butch Cassidy, famed outlaw of the turn of the century.

The area offers breathtaking panoramas, viewing of abundant wildlife (mule deer, elk, kit fox and occasional mountain goat and moose), historic mining ruins as well as excellent stream and lake fishing. Campgrounds abound and the Trail's spurs and side trips also lead to two state parks or into surrounding communities.

Since 1990, fifteen communities in four counties have designated routes affording ATV riders direct, legal access to in-town services without having to leave their machines. Motel accommodations and eating establishments can be found in towns along the route, as well as food, supplies, fuel and repairs . Several entrepreneurs in the area offer visitor services such as trail tours, equipment rental, and special event promotions.

Other attractions along the route include: the Fremont Indian State Park with its museum and numerous pictographs, the Utah State Territorial Museum in Fillmore, the Bullion Canyon Auto Tour and Interpretive Trail in Bullion Canyon. Hunting and winter sports such as ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing enhance the area's year-round appeal.

Partnerships and Cooperative Initiative Descriptions: Partnerships

The Paiute ATV Trail is a joint venture which began in 1989 and has since grown to involve more than 40 public and private entities. The Trail is administered by the Fishlake National Forest, the Sevier River Resource Area of the BLM, and the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation with oversight by a cross-discipline coalition called the Paiute ATV Trail Committee.

Comprised of private individuals and representatives of local, state, and federal agencies, this committee provides guidance in development and use of this resource. The Trail lies in four counties, Sevier, Millard, Beaver and Piute, the leadership of which are involved along with various municipalities in Trail oversight -- including the City of Richfield which has adopted "The Heart of the Paiute ATV Trail" as its slogan. Local law enforcement, economic development boards, tourism councils and others participate in this collaborative effort.

In addition, thousands of hours of volunteer labor have ensured success of the Trail. An active Adopt-a-Trail program contributes heavily to trail maintenance.

An Innovative Approach:

In 1994, The Paiute ATV Trail Committee received the National Association of Development Organization (NADO) Innovation Award for its cooperative development of, and on-going promotion of, this ATV Trail. NADO is a public interest group founded in 1967 to help officials in rural areas share information and ideas toward the goal of quality of life. Two examples of other trails programs patterned after aspects of the innovative successes of the Paiute ATV Trail project are the Fremont Trail and the Great Western Trail which crosses Utah. The Trail project also won the 1995 National Rural Community Assistance Award from the U S Department of Agriculture as a success story in the competition's Action category.

Rural Tourism / Economic Development:

The Trail and particularly its major riding events draw ATV riders from throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The area hosts two annual ATV riding activities, the Rocky Mountain ATV Jamboree in Richfield during September and the Annual Fillmore National ATV Jamboree in June. The Trail has made the area a tourist destination point, one of few in the state.

Visitor spending has been tremendous and interest in potential business ventures has been significant. Over five new enterprises had started by 1994 as a direct result of the trail, including outfitter-guide operations that have developed in response to demands for day and overnight guided trips along the trail. Area motels and other establishments have benefited, with one ATV dealer reporting a 13 percent increase in business.

Names, Addresses, and Phone Numbers of Partners:

Paiute ATV Trail Committee, P O Box 155, Richfield, UT 84701, Telephone 1-800-662-8898 Shari Ashworth, Millard County Tourism, P O Box 1082, Fillmore, UT 84631, Telephone 1-800-441-4ATV Carma Thomas, Sevier Travel Council, 220 North 600 West, Richfield, UT 84701, Telephone 1-800-662-8898. Area Manager, Sevier River Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), 150 East 900 North, Richfield, UT 84701, Telephone (801) 896-8221 Park Manager, Fremont Indian State Park, 11000 Clear Creek Canyon Road, Sevier, UT 84766, Telephone (801) 527-4631 Park Manager, Otter Creek State Park, Antimony, UT 84712, Telephone (801) 624-3268

Key Contact:

Max Reid, Recreational Staff Officer, Fishlake National Forest, 115 East 900 North, Richfield UT 84701, Telephone (801) 896-9233.

August, 1995

Inyo National Forest, Recreation and Local Coalition-based Partnerships

Inyo National Forest Bishop, California 873 North Main Street Bishop, CA 93514 (619) 873-2400

Key Words:

Visitor Centers; El Camino Sierra Scenic Byway Designation Proposal; Visitor Services; Skiing; Sustainable Development; Interpretation; Mountain Biking; Hiking/Backpacking Trails; Multi-lingual Interpretation

Area Description:

This Forest project area lies in Inyo and Mono Counties, located in the rural region of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, White Mountains, and the Owens River Valley in eastern central California (see Area Location Map, page 2--available on printed edition). The region lies between Death Valley and Yosemite National Parks. The predominant ecosystems in the area include high desert, Great Basin, and Alpine. Low valleys, tall mountains, and scenic vistas dominate the landscape.

Most of the land is owned and managed by government agencies. The Inyo National Forest encompasses over two million acres (1.6 million acres lie within the two-county area.) The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages 750,000 acres and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) owns 310,000 acres in the two counties. Six percent of land in Mono County and 1.9 percent of land in Inyo County is privately held.

The region's economy is almost entirely dependent on tourism and recreational activities on the public lands. Inyo National Forest has approximately ten million visitor days per year. Recreation use is also heavy on the BLM and DWP owned lands. Major Communities and Attractions in the Vicinity:

Mammoth Lakes and Bishop are the two commercial centers of the region. The nearest large urban areas are Lancaster/Palmdale to the south, and Reno, Nevada, to the north. Many new residents commute or telecommute to Los Angeles, several hours' drive to the south.

Cooperative Initiative Descriptions:

The Coalition for Unified Recreation in the Eastern Sierra (CURES) is an informal partnership of recreation providers, Chambers of Commerce, local businesses, the environmental community, and federal, state, and local governments. The basic premise of CURES is "a collaborative effort (recreation providers working together) is considerably more responsible and effective than individual efforts (recreation providers working independently)."

The Coalition was formed in 1991 with the general goals and objectives of: sharing information, ideas, and technologies; developing public and private partnerships; reducing duplication of services; sharing resources; improving coordination between federal, state, and local agencies; enhancing and improving visitor services and recreation opportunities; improving natural resource protection and management; minimizing conflict among recreationists; improving the economic status of both the private and public sectors; approaching planning and public service holistically; cooperating on funding; and getting to know the stakeholders better.

To help define its vision for the future, CURES' participants in July 1992 went through a "futuring" exercise--a methodology for "future-tense thinking" in order to identify and influence preferred futures. The group totaled 40 and represented local Chambers of Commerce, the tourism industry, private recreation providers, the environmental community, local government, and federal, state, and local land management agencies. This exercise resulted in the following mission statement:

CURES is dedicated to preserving the Eastern Sierra's natural, cultural, and economic resources, and enriching the experiences of visitors and residents.

A task group then produced a vision statement and began a "gap analysis" to develop a strategic plan for specific steps to achieve the desired future conditions of recreation in the Eastern Sierra through programs on recreational opportunities, interpretation and marketing. The vision statement which follows is written as though the year were 2010 and the desired future state had become a reality.

The Eastern Sierra's unparalleled natural environment and vast open spaces provide an increasingly valuable experience for visitors and residents. A sustainable environment is the cornerstone of recreation and tourism, which are the foundations of the area's healthy economy. The integrity of our ecological systems, cultural resources, and historical heritage is valued and protected. The Eastern Sierra offers high quality interpretive opportunities, allowing visitors to better appreciate and respect the region's unique environmental and cultural diversity. The recreation economy is diversified with respect to the kinds of appropriate recreation opportunities and activities provided. Income from tourism is balanced year-round, making efficient use of available infrastructure and services. High quality outdoor recreation experiences in the region are compatible and sustainable with our economy, society and natural environment. Each community has its own individual character and ambiance. The region has retained its rural atmosphere. Cooperative partnerships and forums, such as CURE, provide a foundation for constructive discussions and common ground decision making among government, the private sector, and individuals. Continuing scientific research in the Eastern Sierra helps to improve management of ecological, cultural, historic, and economic resources.

Organization:

CURES is an informal organization which has no "official" jurisdiction or responsibility, no specific funding or staffing, and voluntary membership participation. Task Groups comprise the "heart" of the informal CURES organization. Five standing task groups listed below have been formed to focus on developing mutually benefiting projects and helping to resolve issues. Task group priorities are set by the 60-member Steering Council comprised of main recreation providers.

Partnership: Activities and Projects:

CURES is working toward their common vision through the implementation of several projects using the leadership of the Task Groups. Funding and support has come from several areas often with CURES facilitating and consulting.

The five standing Task Groups and examples of their priority actions are:

1. Marketing/Information Services Task Group: Develop a marketing strategy; work with the Interpretation/Education Task Group on Good Host training.

2. Interpretation/Education Task Group: Develop an Eastern Sierra activities guide.

3. Resource Balancing/Futuring/Planning Task Group: Address the issue of mountain bike use and arrange forums on resource management issues.

4. Administration/Business Management Task Group: Identify ways to streamline agency permitting processes, encourage consistency among government agencies.

5. Special Projects Task Groups: Working with Yosemite National Park, develop a transportation strategy.

CURES accomplishments include:

Community Action Plan, Inyo and Mono Counties, California, revised June 2, 1993.

395 Things To Do in the Eastern Sierra, an activities guide. Multi-lingual Publications. Limited funding has allowed CURES members to begin to provide information and interpretation in non-English languages. Interpretive exhibits at the Mono Basin Nation Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center will soon be in more than three languages. Publications commonly provided at the Mammoth and Mono Basin Visitor Centers will soon be available in Spanish, German, and French. For example, Eastern Sierra: The Wild Side of California; Things to Do, Places To Go, a recreation map, has been published in four languages.

Inventory of Visitor Surveys and Studies. This project involved developing a library of know recreation/visitor research and studies conducted by the many agencies, organizations, and universities of visitors to the Eastern Sierra region. The data will be available to all recreation providers in the region to better understand visitor preferences, needs, interests, habits, etc.

June Lake Information Kiosk. A self-service information kiosk is being developed to inform visitors of recreation opportunities in the June Lake Loop.

Lee Vining Scenic Byway Interpretation. Lee Vining Canyon was the first designated scenic byway in the Inyo National Forest. This distinctive scenic byway is located between Yosemite National Park and Mono Basin Forest Service Scenic Area. The byway is also a critical transportation link between these nationally-known areas.

Community College. The communities of Bishop and Mammoth lakes are developing community colleges to diversify the local economies and provide educational opportunities to local residents. The Mammoth Educational Foundation is working on a natural resource and hotel/resort management curriculum to augment the community colleges' programs.

Arts Councils. Both counties have active arts councils which bring cultural and art-related activities to the area. It is expected that these activities will help increase "shoulder" season visitation.

Town of Mammoth Lakes. The Town of Mammoth Lakes has the strongest resources for active marketing and promotion. Through their efforts shoulder season activities and non-traditional high season activities are being promoted. The Town is willing to market activities that will benefit the entire region.

Highway 395 Scenic Byway Designation Proposal. A plan and ISTEA funding application for 35 information/interpretive sites on an internationally popular, 203-mile stretch of Highway 395 was done jointly with Inyo and Mono Counties Local Transportation Committees. The Forest Service is the lead applicant for this project, one of CURES' top priorities.

CURES has several priority projects in progress which are yet to be funded. In addition to the Highway 395 Scenic Byway, two of these projects are Eastern Sierra Marketing and Sustainable Economic Development Planning.

Key Contact:

Bill Bramlette, Inyo National Forest, USDA United States Forest Service, 873 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514 (619) 873-2400, Fax (619) 873-2458.[Text and map adapted from marketing materials provided by the Inyo National Forest.--available on printed edition]

August, 1995

Jefferson National Forest and Collective Regional Tourism Marketing

Jefferson National Forest Roanoke Virginia George Washington and Jefferson National Forests 5162 Valleypoint Parkway Roanoke, VA 24019-3050 Phone:(540) 265-6054

Key Words:

Camping; Picnicking; Hunting and Fishing; National Scenic Trail; Wilderness; Scenic Byways; Regional Marketing; International Marketing; Visitor Center; Historical Interpretive Exhibits

Area Description:

The Jefferson National Forest lies in west central Virginia, extending from the James River southwesterly to within 50 miles of the western tip of the state (see the Area Map on page 4--available on printed edition). Over 200 miles across, the 710,000-acre Forest lies within and parallels the Valley and Ridge Provinces of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians. The forest cover is mainly Appalachian mixed hardwoods interspersed with conifers. Elevations range from 600 feet on the James River in the northeast corner of the Forest, to 5,729 feet on the top of Mount Rogers, the highest point in the state.

The Jefferson National Forest is located in a nineteen-county region which has formed an association called Virginia's Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands, Inc. (VSWBRH) for regional tourism development. This region is characterized by large tracts of public land ownership, a large proportion of absentee land ownership and many rather isolated, rural communities. From remote, highland ridges of the Appalachian Mountains to historic settings along scenic highways and rivers throughout this region, the traveler is able to trace the heritage of the nation.

Major Communities and Attractions in the Vicinity:

Centrally located in the VSWBRH region is Wytheville, population 8,000. At the east end, lies Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech University and nearly 40,000 residents. Just outside the region's easternmost boundary lies Roanoke with a population of 80,000. A half day's drive to the east is the state capital and metropolitan area of Richmond. An hour further to the northeast is the nation's capital, Washington, D C. Primary access through the length of the Forest is Interstate 81, one of the most heavily traveled interstates in the country, which follows the Shenandoah, Roanoke, New River, and Holston Valleys. Another major highway crossing the region at Wytheville is Interstate 77. Nearby, the traveler can access the Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway on State Highway 52. It is one of the region's two National Forest Scenic Byways, the other being the Mount Rogers Scenic Byway on State Highway 58. Also notable is the historic Blue Ridge Parkway, built during the Great Depression, which passes through the region connecting Virginia's Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina.

Key Tourism and Recreation Resources:

The region is characterized by a diverse mixture of public and private recreation resources capable of providing rich memories of special places. There is a profusion of color throughout most of the year in the valleys and mountains of the Jefferson National Forest. Many wild plants and trees offer spring blossoms or fall colors. Besides camping, hiking, picnicking, hunting and fishing opportunities, the Forest holds a multitude of wilderness areas. It is habitat for a variety of wildlife, including 160 kinds of birds which live in or migrate through the area. Game hunted in season are deer, bear, turkey, grouse, quail, dove, and squirrel. There are also nine state parks, including three which are adjacent to the Forest: Grayson Highlands, Claytor Lake and Hungry Mother State Parks.

USFS Managed and Permitted Uses:

The Jefferson National Forest offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreation experience. Some of the more popular activities are:

Camping-Picnicking. The Forest has 23 developed campgrounds with hundreds of family camping units, and 17 developed picnic areas with over 200 units. One group picnic area accommodates 400 people.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This famous national scenic trail traverses the Forest on its way between Georgia and Maine.

Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area. This high country offers big-sky views in every direction. With wild ponies grazing in alpine meadows and high rock outcroppings, Mt. Rogers is a favorite place for Appalachian Trail hikers.

Wilderness. There are eleven wilderness areas in the Forest, averaging 5,000 acres apiece, with Lewisfork Wilderness being the most heavily used.

Partnerships and Cooperative Initiative Descriptions:

An early supporter and member of the Virginia Southwest Blue Ridge Highland, Inc. (VSWBRH), the Jefferson National Forest has partnered with VSWBRH on several efforts. The goal is regional tourism promotion in southwest Virginia to support rural community development in the private sector while increasing the visibility of recreational opportunities on the Jefferson National Forest.

Though industrial economic development is occurring, tourism is becoming the key to long term economic growth for many of southwest Virginia's rural communities. Past tourism promotion activities were seen as localized, splintered and ineffective in presenting the region as a destination for tourists. As a solution, private, public and regional collective action was organized through formation of VSWBRH in 1987. The Association's first task was development of "Operation Cornerstone," a regional promotion program funded by a Forest Service grant of $5,000.

Operation Cornerstone:

A National Forest Service pilot project, "Operation Cornerstone," was funded to test the value of forming marketing partnerships to link Forest outdoor recreation with the tourism industry. A definite success, the partnership has continued and strengthened. In addition to managing the Virginia Highlands Gateway Visitors Center, staff responds to inquiries for information, promotes feature stories of the area, produces a quarterly calendar of events in the region, attends trade shows, and provides hospitality training to local businesses.

VSWBRH has developed a close working relationship with the Virginia Division of Tourism. As a result, that state agency is funding a part-time position for one year to assist the communities of southwest Virginia, the only such position staffed outside the state capital.

The partnership between the National Forest and VSWBRH has been noteworthy for its sensitivity to local Appalachian cultures, fostering of public- private alliances, and featuring of special places which provide families with lasting memories. Neither organization could have achieved the current level of success independently.

The Highland Gateway Visitor Center:

The Highland Gateway Visitor Center has been managed and expanded through partnership efforts involving VSWBRH, the Factory Merchants Mall, the Virginia Tourism Division and the Forest Service. Recently expanded into a new, 3,300 square foot space, the Center received the 1995 USFS Region 8 Interpretive Project of the Year award. This award was in acknowledgment of a new display of historical and other interpretive exhibits. The new exhibits were made possible by a $250,000 Congressional appropriation to the USFS obtained through the efforts of VSWBRH. A joint effort with Virginia Tech University is currently developing video and touch-screen computer displays on regional tourist attractions.

Other Cooperative Accomplishments:

Other products, events, activities and accomplishments of this partnership in community tourism development include:

A 15% increase in tourism in southwest Virginia in 1991 at a time when tourism was declining in other regions of the state; and a steady annual increase of up to 5% since then.

Interstate 81 International Marketing Plan (1993) by Virginia Tech University, sponsored by VSWBRH, Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, the Virginia Tourism Division, and the Jefferson and George Washington National Forests.

Virginia's Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands, A Marketing Plan, prepared with Virginia Tech University assistance in 1994.

Industry education: Familiarization trips for tour bus company operators and training seminars for "front line" personnel who greet the public. A Map of Tourist Attractions in Southwest Virginia (1994, reprinted 1995).

Various other, important regional informational services, such as: an "800" telephone number service to the Highlands Gateway Visitor Center; a jointly produced, brochure highlighting local, state and private as well as Forest attractions; a service directory; a calendar of events; and newspaper and magazine articles featuring the region's attractions.

Names, Addresses, and Phone Numbers of Partners

Charles Blankenship, Founder of Project Cornerstone and retired Recreation Staff Officer for the USFS, 5215 Sugar Loaf Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018, Telephone (540) 774-6272.

Janet Blair, Manager, Factory Merchants Mall, Fort Chiswell, VA 24360, Telephone (540) 637-6214.

Charlotte Reed, Public Service Programs, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, Telephone (540) 231-8386.

Kitty Grady, Former President of VSWBRH, Tourism Director, Chamber of Commerce, Town of Wytheville, VA 24382, Telephone (540) 223- 3365.

Lorie Ward, President, Virginia Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands, Inc. (VSWBRH), Barter Theater, Abington, VA 24210, Telephone (540) 628- 2281.

Debbie Hawkins, Visitor Center Manager, Wythe Ranger District, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Wytheville, VA 24382, Telephone (540) 228-5551.

Key Contact:

Bill Sweet, Recreation and Fire Staff Officer, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, VA 24019, Telephone (540) 265-6052.

August, 1995

Lincoln National Forest and Local Recreation-Based Partnerships

Lincoln National Forest Alamogordo, New Mexico 1101 New York Avenue Alamogordo, NM 88310 (505) 434-7200

Key Words:

Museum, Visitor Center, Scenic and Historic Byway, Tourism and Recreation Resource Guide, Rails to Trails

Area Description:

The Lincoln National Forest is located approximately 75 miles north of El Paso, Texas, in southeast New Mexico. Situated in the Sacramento Mountains which overlook the Tularosa Basin and the White Sands National Monument, Lincoln National Forest comprises 1.1 million acres and is within a four- hour drive of three million people. This Forest is used primarily for motorized and non-motorized outdoor recreational activities. See Area Map on page 4--available on printed edition.

Key Tourism and Recreation Resources and Travel Services:

Tourism and Recreation Resources:USFS Managed and Permitted Uses

Sunspot Solar Observatory, Apache Point Stellar Observatory, Outdoor Recreation Outfitters, Downhill Skiing, and Campgrounds.

Community/Region-wide

White Sands National Monument, Mescalaro Apache Nation, Ski Apache, Tularosa Basin, and the Alamogordo Aerospace Museum.

Traveler Services: USFS Managed and Permitted Uses

Twenty-six campgrounds (USFS and concessionaire maintained). Outfitter type river rafting outfitters and ski area concessions.

Community/Region-wide

Cloudcroft Historic Resort Village, Mescalaro Ski Resort and Village. The communities of Alamogordo, Ruidoso, and Carlsbad are all within 30 minutes of the Forest. Each community features a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and retail opportunities.

Cooperative Initiative Descriptions:

Since 1992 the staff of the Lincoln National Forest has taken an active role in developing collaborative efforts between the federal government and local public and private sector representatives. Their goal is to leverage public and private funds and labor for innovative recreation and tourism-related projects that directly and indirectly involve U.S. Forest Service managed land. Following is a brief description of current initiatives.

Scenic Byway Interpretive Plan:

Development of an interpretive implementation plan for the "Sunspot Highway," a National Forest Scenic Byway located within Lincoln National Forest. Two major projects have been initiated under the Sunspot Highway plan, including outlining the direction and defining projects needed to implement the plan. Citizen participation is solicited when individual projects are being planned.

Two Current Byway-Related Projects Underway:

(1) Gateway Project: A scenic overlook, information kiosk, and interpetive signs at the beginning of the Byway scheduled for construction in 1995.

Partners: New Mexico Transportation and Highways Department and Lincoln National Forest.

(2) Science Museum and Education Center: Construction of a million dollar Science Museum and Educational Center, located at the Sunspot Solar Observatory, an important United States solar observation facility. The Science Museum and Educational Center will also serve as an area visitor center. Funding for the project has been obtained from the New Mexico Department of Tourism, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), the National Science Foundation, and the U. S. Forest Service. The site will be managed under the Lincoln Forest Special Use Permit System which operates agreements for projects on forest land.

Partners: An informal management group made up of representatives from the Lincoln National Forest, the National Science Foundation, the Sunspot Solar Observatory, and Apache Point Solar Observatory.

New Mexico "Rails to Trails" Project:

Using a segment of an abandoned rail bed as the foundation, volunteers trained by the USFS constructed a one-mile walking trail from the Village of Cloudcroft, this scenic trail provides a panorama of the White Sands National Monument and the historic Mexico Canyon Trestle. At the trailhead and picnic site, a replica of the old Cloudcroft Rail Station serves as an interpretive and information visitor facility.

Partners: This project was completed with cooperation from several states and volunteer organizations that helped develop, layout, and construct the trail and a "right-of-way" donation by the village of Cloudcroft. Lincoln National Forest personnel provided design and management expertise, volunteer training, supervision, and the tools needed for construction. The New Mexico Rails to Trails Association provided volunteers and support. Volunteers constructed the trail, provided manual labor to clear brush and rocks, and built up the walking surface. Rails to Trails volunteers also helped with the right-of-way acquisition and sponsored the dedication ceremony. The New Mexico Canyon Tressel Trails project has been nominated for the 1994 New Mexico Governor's Tourism Award.

New Mexico State University Rural Economic Development Through Tourism (REDTT) Project:

Lincoln National Forest personnel played an active role with the New Mexico State University on the federally-funded, nine-county REDTT project. Recreation and tourism information was provided in 10,000 copies of a comprehensive Otero County Tourism and Attractions Map.

Another initiative of the REDTT project resulted in a customer hospitality training program for front line employees in the area called "Catch Our Enchanted Spirit." Forest Service staff from Lincoln National Forest participated in a train-the-trainer program and are now conducting the hospitality seminars for area businesses.

Partners: Two New Mexico State University entities, the Cooperative Extension

Service and the Center for Hospitality and Tourism Services, and the USFS; advised by the REDTT Regional Task Force and its county level committees.

The Lincoln Forest/Village of Cloudcroft Pilot Project:

Currently underway is an effort between the Lincoln National Forest and the community of Cloudcroft to jointly manage and coordinate tourism and recreational efforts. Both groups are interested in using tourism as an economic development tool, but wish to maintain a sustainable tourism industry. This pilot project will include measurements and management practices to implement sustainable recreation and tourism development in the Forest.

In Cloudcroft, tourism marketing efforts will be coordinated with the Forest's capacity for visitors. This effort will also look at identifying market niches that are compatible with Forest uses. A tourism and recreational monitoring system will be put in place to evaluate these initiatives.

Partners: Village of Cloudcroft, New Mexico State University, the University of Colorado, and the USFS.

Key Contacts:

Johnny Wilson, Recreation Specialist, Lincoln National Forest, USFS, (505) 434-7200 ; Dr. Christine Clements, New Mexico State University, (505) 646-5995 ; Tracy Drummond, Extension Agent, Otero County Tourism Council, (505) 437-0231 ; Tom Springer, Rails to Trails Association, (505) 680- 4030

Prepared by The National Rural Tourism Foundation: John Sem, Project Coordinator; Jonelle Nuckolls, Research Associate; Sylvia Labrucherie and Shauna Palmer, Research Assistants; (303) 556-6010.

August, 1995

Ozark & Ouachita National Forests and Scenic 7 Byway: Small Scale Marketing and Local Partnerships Ozark-St. Francis National Forest Russellville Arkansas Ozark-St. Francis National Forests PO Box 1008 Russellville, AR 72801 Phone: (501) 968-2354

Key Words:

Scenic Highway; Visitor Services; Scenic Overlook; Streams, fishable; Streams, le; Streams, canoeable; Streams, floatable; Information Center; Overnight Camping; Trails, Hiking; Geologic Features; Picnic Areas; Leisure Travel; Wilderness; Interpretation

Area Description:

Arkansas Highway 7 is a nationally-recognized State Scenic Byway, a portion of which passes through the mountainous Ozark and Ouachita National Forests (see map on page 4). Both Forests are located on the western side of Arkansas. The Ozark Forest in the Ozark Highlands is to the north; to the south is the Ouachita National Forest and the Ouachita Mountains. The Russellville/ Arkansas River Valley separates the two Forests.

Major Communities and Attractions in the Vicinity:

Hot Springs is the largest population center on the Byway, with over 36,000 residents. Twenty miles south of the Forest boundary, Hot Springs is 53 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas which lies to the east of Ouachita National Forest. Other large cities in the vicinity are Fort Smith on the west side of the Ozark National Forest and Texarkana on the Texas/Arkansas state line.

At the north end of the Byway are Harrison and other small communities. There are several small towns in or near the Ozark Forest; only one community lies inside the Ouachita Forest. In between the two Forests, the second largest community on the Byway is Russellville with a population of approximately 21,000.

These numerous communities provide a variety of opportunities to travelers along the way. The route includes hot springs and bath houses, along with visitor services such as motels, gas and groceries, antique and souvenir shops, eateries, etc.

Key Tourism Resources and Attractions:

Scenic 7 Byway: The Arkansas Highway 7 byway route goes through the Ouachita Mountains in the Piedmont area of Arkansas, crossing the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests. The Byway has a diverse variety of special features and attractions, including wilderness areas, hiking trails, geological wonders, hot springs, scenic overlooks, a reservoir, and plenty of fishable and canoeable streams. This mountainous area is noted for its uniquely changing scenery including spectacular springtime flowering foliage and fall colors.

The Scenic Byway area includes two recreational sites, Iron Springs and South Fourche; several Geological Special Interest Areas such as Alum Cove National Bridge and National Recreational Trail; and two other major hiking trails, the Ozark Highlands Ouachita National Recreation Trails. The Hurricane Creek, Richland Creek and Flatside Wilderness areas are located within these Forests. The scenic byway also provides access to several rivers and state parks and Hot Springs National Park that draw people to the area.

Partnerships and Cooperative Initiative Descriptions:

Tourism and recreation activities are supported in part by the Arkansas River Valley Tourism Association and the Scenic Highway 7 Association. The Arkansas Highway Transportation Department is responsible for the road and rights-of-way. Public land management agencies involved are the USFS, the National Park Service (NPS), the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, and the Corps of Engineers. Other major stakeholders along the Byway include the Weyerhaeuser Company; two state colleges; Arkansas Tech University; Chambers of Commerce in Russellville, Jasper, Dover, and Dardanelle; and the Rotary Club of Russellville.

Scenic Highway 7 Association:

The Scenic Highway 7 Association is an organization of businesses which promotes tourism and use along the Byway. The Association is assisting the Forest Service with a "recreation user survey" of Byway visitors. The Association is identifying Forest Service recreational opportunities in their recreation brochure in addition to promoting the Highway as a Forest Service Scenic Byway.

Arkansas River Valley Association:

The Arkansas River Valley Association is an organization of businesses that promotes tourism in the Arkansas River Valley. They are assisting in promotion of the Byway by disseminating publications and informational material.

Arkansas Highway Transportation Department:

The Arkansas Highway Transportation Department is assisting in Byway promotion by distributing federal funds to enhance roadside rests, overlook facilities and interpretive signing.

The Highway Transportation Department and the U S Forest Service are developing a memorandum of agreement on maintenance of the highway. The Highway Transportation Department also has the cooperation of the Weyerhaeuser Company, as discussed below.

Weyerhaeuser Company:

The Weyerhaeuser Company, a major lumber company and landholder along the byway, has also agreed to modify their forest management practices to reduce the visual impact of lumbering along the byway. Arkansas Parks and Tourism Agency:

The Arkansas Parks and Tourism Agency is cooperating in Byway promotion through their tour guide and other written materials; and visitor contacts with travel writers, tour guides, and information centers. They are also distributing scenic byway information throughout the state visitor centers.

National Park Service:

The Buffalo National River unit is providing a location in the park in order for to provide visitors and travelers with information and interpretive information about the scenic byway.

Rotary Club of Russellville:

The Rotary Club of Russellville, which also supports the Forest Service Scenic Byway designation, is assisting the Bayou Ranger District with a recreation user survey at Rotary Ann Overlook.

Key Contacts:

Richard Bowie, Ozark National Forest, P O Box 1008, Russellville, AR 72801, (501) 968-2354.

John Archer, Ouachita National Forest, Star Route Box 8A, Jessieville, AR 71949, (501) 984-5313.

Area map available on printed edition.

August, 1995

Pacific Northwest National Forests and Multi-Cultural Tourism Partnerships

Sawtooth National Forest Twin Falls, Idaho USFS Ethnic Heritage Tourism Project Sawtooth National Forest 2647 Kimberly Road East Twin Falls, ID 83301-7976 Phone: (208) 737-3200

Key Words:

Tourism and Rural Economic Development, Multi-Cultural Tourism, Asian Pacific American Heritage, Museum

Area Description:

The USFS project area (marked with a box in the area location map at left) lies in the Pacific Northwest spanning portions of the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. It involves Asian Pacific American heritage on several national forests including Malheur, Wallowa-Whitman, Boise, and Payette.

Communities in the vicinity are Washington's Chelan and Port Townsend; Oregon's Pendleton, John Day, Sumpter, and Baker City; and Idaho's Boise, McCall, and Idaho City. Boise is within an hour's drive to the southeast and Seattle, Washington is within two hour's drive to the northwest.

Key Tourism and Recreation Resources and Travel Services:

Tourism and Recreation Resources

USFS Managed and Permitted Uses

Historic sites, Chinese heritage interpretive trails, interpretive features, visitor information centers, recreational facilities.

Community/Region-wide

Kam Wah Chung Historical Site, Idaho Historical Museum, Boise Basin Museum, Idaho State Archives, Warrens Mining District, commercial lodging and restaurants.

Partnerships and Cooperative Initiative Descriptions:

Since 1991, the USDA Forest Service has taken an active role in developing a partnership with the Asian Pacific American community to market multi- cultural activities, promote rural revitalization through tourism, and interpret heritage resources owned by federal land managing agencies.

The USFS is working on the identification, documentation, and interpretation of the hundreds of historic Chinese mining, forestry, and railroad sites on western forest lands. Chinese began coming to the West in the mid-1800s during the gold rush. Soon after the first immigrations, Chinese started working on railroad construction and in forestry. Several National Forests throughout the West are beginning to develop programs to highlight important historical Chinese contributions to this nation. As these projects continue to acknowledge and recognize Chinese culture, technology, and lifestyle, the USFS will assist in developing additional educational materials. Materials planned or undertaken include a Heritage Tourism Resource Notebook and other projects that will highlight Chinese historic contributions in the Northwest.

The Wing Luke Asian Museum of Seattle, Washington and the USDA Forest Service are the main partners in this venture. Other contributors include the Washington Office of Historic Preservation, the Idaho Department of Commerce and various public/private grantors.

Chinese Heritage of the Northwest Conferences

Since the turn of the decade, the Museum and the Forest Service have been holding Chinese Heritage conferences which bring Asian Americans together with archaeologists to help interpret and understand the history of the Chinese in America. The Forest Service had entered into a formal partnership with Wing Luke Asian Museum to interpret Asian American heritage. This rich heritage includes early pioneer settlements and occupations throughout the Pacific Northwest, within rural communities and National Forest System lands. Asian American pioneers worked in heavy construction as well as service industries in the American West.

Two such conferences at Chelan and Port Townsend, Washington, provided a forum to interpret Asian American contributions and market federal land agencies to an under-represented segment of American society. Participants included second, third, and fourth generation Asian Americans from the West Coast.

Chinese Heritage of the American West Tour 1994

The USDA Forest Service's partnership with Wing Luke Asian Museum included a field tour to Asian American heritage sites in Oregon and Idaho during the Summer of 1994. This five-day tour visited historic buildings, small museums, archaeological sites, and commercialized sites. Departing from Seattle, Washington, the tour visited Pendleton Underground, Kam Wah Chung Historical Site, "Chinese Walls" sites on two National Forests, BLM Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Idaho State Historical Museum, State Archives Library, and Boise Basin Museum. The audience included Asian community members; historians, educators, travel writers, and students. Seattle Times and International Examiner provided media coverage of the event. A film documentary is being produced by a minority business.

The Tour provided opportunities to "discover" the rich Chinese heritage of the American West. Wing Luke Asian Museum provided the trip planning and logistics to a ready-made audience of museum patrons and community people. The Museum created promotional materials to target the Asian American niche market.

A predominately Asian tour entourage provided feedback about commercial and public services; its authenticity, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity. The group served as a "focus group" for a new customer niche market. Rural communities were able to become familiar with a "new product" which has been ignored in conventional American history. This product interprets history from different cultural perspectives to new customers.

Highlights of the partnership's approach were involvement of ethnic minorities during initial planning, design and presentation, to make the heritage features more authentic, attractive and inviting. The tour is a potential model for increasing use of USFS resources by under-represented groups, according to the Forest Service's Asian Program Manager in Washington D.C.

Chinese Heritage of the American West Part II

The partners are planning a tour in late 1995 or 1996. This event will define strategies and add new partners including Idaho Department of Commerce, the travel industry, rural communities, and the Asian American community. Resource guides and marketing materials will be prepared from this familiarization tour. These tools will be useful as rural communities strive to develop credible products and services that avoid myths and racial stereotyping often found in rural settings. Pacific Rim and domestic tourism potential is high, and rural communities can benefit from developing ethnic heritage tourism themes.

Key Contact:

Dale Hom, Recreation/Operations Staff, USFS Ethnic Heritage Tourism Project, Sawtooth National Forest, 2647 Kimberly Road East, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301-7976, (208) 737-3200.

August, 1995

San Juan National Forest, a Public-Private Association and Other Local Partnerships

San Juan National Forest Durango, Colorado 701 Camino Del Rio Durango CO 81301 (970) 385-1209

Key Words:

Wilderness; Campgrounds; National Parks; Scenic Byways; Million Dollar Highway; Archaeological Sites; Historic Railroads; Water Recreation

Area Description:

The San Juan National Forest, located in Southwest Colorado is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the nation. The Forest comprises nearly two million acres of rugged mountains, glacier valleys, lakes, reservoirs, timbered glades, and high desert ecosystems. Almost one-quarter of the San Juan National Forest is designated by Congress as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Wilderness areas include the Lizard Head, South San Juan, and Weminuche, the largest wilderness area in Colorado. See Area Map on page 4--available on printed edition. Major Communities in the Vicinity:

Durango. Located along the Animas River, Durango is a beautiful Old West town of approximately 15,000 residents, the start of the Durango- Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, home to Ft. Lewis College and the closest population center to the Purgatory Resort. It is an eight hour drive from the major metropolitan areas of Denver, Colorado or Salt Lake City, Utah and five hours from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Dolores and Cortez. These communities are the gateway to Mesa Verde National Park and the beautiful Upper Dolores River country.

Silverton. The turn-around point for the Durango-Silverton Railroad, Silverton is a restored Victorian mining town at an elevation of more than 9,000 feet.

Pagosa Springs. Beautifully located at the base of Wolf Creek Pass, Pagosa Springs is known best for its hot mineral springs.

Key Tourism and Recreation Resources and Travel Services:

The San Juan National Forest is home to numerous attractions, including the following:

San Juan Skyway. Both a National Forest and State Scenic Byway, the San Juan Skyway is a 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains. Encompassing the renowned Million Dollar Highway, it presents some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the continent.

Chimney Rock Archaeological Area. This Area contains one of the most outstanding and unusual examples of a Chaco Outlier Archaeology in the Four Corners area.

Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This steam locomotive carries over 250,000 passengers each year through the heart of the San Juan National Forest along the Animas River.

Purgatory Resort. A beautiful resort approximately 20 miles from Durango offering downhill skiing, a nordic track, other winter activities and amenities as well as summer recreation activities.

Reservoirs. The San Juan National Forest is home to the McPhee, Vallecito, Lemon, and Williams Creek Reservoirs.

Campgrounds. The Forest has over 45 developed campgrounds, picnic sites, fishing areas, and boat ramps.

Wilderness Areas. The San Juan National Forest has over 500,000 acres of Wilderness Areas which contain six peaks over 14,000 feet and hundreds of high alpine lakes.

Other attractions nearby are Mesa Verde National Park and The Anasazi Heritage Center. One of the densest collections of prehistoric ruins in the nation, the Mesa Verde National Park's spectacular cliff dwellings were home to "the Ancient Ones", the Anasazi Indians. The nearby Anasazi Heritage Center provides the visitor with rich materials for understanding this early cultural heritage.

Descriptions of Partnerships or Programs:

The San Juan National Forest is located in a very rural region of southwestern Colorado. The Forest has been an active partner with federal and state agencies and local communities in development of several small regional marketing areas.

Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad:

In partnership with Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the San Juan National Forest Association (SJNFA), wilderness users have been educated to be wilderness-wise in the Weminuche Wilderness. The train donates $1,500 in train tickets, the Forest Service provides base camps and training, and the Association provides volunteer instructors and assistants (65-100 each summer).

Environmental Educaton:

In partnership with the SJNFA and area school districts, the Forest has acquired the talents of a full-time Environmental Education Coordinator employed through the Association. The Education Coordinator and her crew of volunteers have instructed youth in wilderness box activities, Tree Trunks, Fire Ecology, Ecosystem Management, and other resource management programs at grade and middle school levels throughout southwestern Colorado. This position has also helped with the 30th Anniversary of Wilderness celebrations. Partnerships with the SJNFA have resulted in the Association twice being awarded the National Wilderness Education Award offered by the USFS and Wilderness Society.

Partners have included the La Plata County Historical Society, Durango Motorless Transit, and the City of Durango. Recent programs include: a weekly environmental awareness radio program produced and written by local schools on topics that affect the Forest and a "Ghost Riders" Horse Leave No Trace Program which educated over 300 local horse users on proper techniques for horseback travel in the Wilderness.

Products developed in cooperation with the SJNFA include the Wilderness Ranger Cookbook (in cooperation with Coleman Outdoor Products and Falcon Press), the Weminuche Wilderness topographic map (Trails Illustrated), the 30th Anniversary of Wilderness poster (Outside Magazine), Four Corners Archaeological Guide, Wilderness Pins, San Juan Skyway Guidebook, Southwest Colorado Bicycle Routes, and Chimney Rock Archaeological Area Guidebook.

Chimney Rock Archaeological Area:

Through another partnership with SJNFA, the Forest provides interpretive tour programs at the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area. From May 15 - September 15, four two-hour guided tours are offered seven days per week. Special events include a weekend open house and moon rise tour. Receipts from tour sales go to provide top quality interpreters and restoration of archaeological sites at Chimney Rock.

Youth Mentorship: In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Ballentine Foundation, Times Mirror Partnership for Environmental Education, school districts, and the SJNFA, a youth mentorship program was developed that combines physical labor with resource studies for local area youth during the summer months. Projects have included construction of an interpretive trail and brochure for the Falls Creek Archaeological Area and riparian rehabilitation projects.

Volunteer Trail Work:

A cooperative effort between the BLM, SJNFA, and Trails 2000 (a community based nonprofit trails organization) resulted in the hiring of a trail volunteer coordinator. The paid trails coordinator works with local groups to recruit volunteer labor on construction and maintenance of trails throughout southwest Colorado. Over 150 volunteers participated last summer in the program. This year in another partnership with the BLM and SJNFA, a paid volunteer coordinator position has been added for all types of volunteer activities on the Forest and BLM Resource Area.

Scenic Byway:

The Forest Service has provided technical assistance in production of a marketing brochure and an interpretive development conceptual plan for 236 miles of mountain highway now called the San Juan Skyway, both a State and a National Forest scenic byway. The Forest Service has also participated in local efforts by a community group called the Friends of the San Juan Skyway, which is assisted by the Office of Community Services at Fort Lewis College, to produce a byway management plan and an application for All American Byway designation.

Information Specialist:

A Forest visitor information specialist is funded by a three-way partnership between the Durango Area Chamber Resort Association, SJNFA and the Forest Service. For the last three years, this specialist has been available to assist those stopping by the Chamber Resort Association's visitor center.

Key Contacts:

Jim Upchurch, Recreation/Wilderness Program Leader, San Juan-Rio Grande National Forests, 701 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301, (970)385- 1209.

Laurie Gruel, Executive Director, San Juan National Forest Association (SJNFA), PO Box 2261, Durango, CO 81301, (970)385-1210.

August, 1995

Siskiyou National Forest and Local Sustainable Nature-based Initiatives

Siskiyou National Forest Grants Pass Oregon PO Box 440 Grants Pass OR 97526 Phone: (503) 471-6515

Key Words:

Sustainable Nature-based Tourism, Ecotourism, Long-term Strategies, Community Involvement and Capacity-building, Fisheries Restoration, Northwest Timber Communities, Canopy Trail, Bike Trails, Artist and Photography Workshops, Marine Tourism, Visitor Center, Wildlife Viewing, Elderhostel, Group Campsites.

Area Description:

The Siskiyou National Forest is located in the southwest corner of Oregon, approximately 300 miles from both Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, California. Situated within the Klamath Mountain Province, a region of renowned botanical and geologic diversity, the Siskiyou National Forest offers five Wild and Scenic Rivers, the northern extent of coastal redwood, and ruggedly scenic coastline within and adjacent to its 1.1 million acres.

Key Tourism and Recreation Resources and Travel Services: Tourism and Recreation Resources

USFS Managed and Permitted Uses

Rogue River jet boats, raft trips, fishing guides; Chetco River fishing guides; Illinois River raft trips, Snow Camp Mountain and Pearsoll Peak Lookout Rental, numerous campgrounds and wilderness/backcountry trails.

Community/Region-wide

Redwood National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, Smith River National Recreation Area, Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Ashland Shakespeare Festival, Pacific Northwest Natural History Museum.

Traveler Services

USFS Managed and Permitted Uses

Twenty-nine campgrounds (USFS and concessionaire maintained); river rafting and jet boat concessions; recreation rental of upgraded, abandoned facilities (lookouts, packers cabins).

Community/Region-wide: The communities of Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Bandon, Coos Bay, Coquille, Myrtle Point, Powers, Grants Pass, Glendale, and Cave Junction all lie within a half-hour drive of the Forest. The communities provide a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants, and retail opportunities. Main auto access is by Interstate Route 5 and Coast Highway 101. Medford, Oregon, located 40 miles south of Grants Pass, and North Bend, Oregon, situated two miles north of Coos Bay, provide regular air service.

Partnerships and Cooperative Initiative Descriptions:

The Siskiyou National Forest has taken an active role in developing collaborative efforts including The Curry County Sustainable Nature-based Tourism Development and other tourism development activities with local public and private entities. The Northwest Economic Adjustment Initiative, an interagency initiative that supports timber-dependent communities' attempts to diversify their economy through locally-prioritized financial and technical assistance, is part of the President's Forest Plan of 1994.

Curry County Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism Development:

Curry County, located on Oregon's South Coast, is working on promoting economic diversification through sustainable nature-based tourism. Creating a new economic sector through this sustainable tourism is the vision of Curry County leadership who have observed steady declines in the timber and fisheries industries. Building the capacity of community members to work together in decision-making about the area's economic future (despite polarizing conservation/timber wars) has been a priority of this long-term strategy. Also, tourism in Curry County traditionally has relied on jet boat trips, sport fishing (now in decline), and scenic-drive tourism along coastal Highway 101. The county seeks to develop more reliable, year-round markets based on its world-class natural resources: scenic coastline, old-growth redwoods, and unique botanical and geological diversity.

The Forest Service has acted in partnership with Curry County to bring in the expertise of Bob Harvey and Diane Kelsay of Egret Communications, who have served as facilitators and consultants to Curry County, the USFS and other project partners. Egret Communications, which has been instrumental in coordinating the World Congresses on Tourism and the Environment over the past three years, have introduced international leaders in sustainable tourism development to the local effort to tackle specific tasks.

The Curry County Sustainable Nature-based Tourism Development Project incorporates the main concepts of sustainable tourism by including:

Sustainability Planning. County-wide planning and prioritization of projects by a steering committee comprised of local leaders; environmental and social conflict assessments to avoid unacceptable impacts to local resources or established uses; design and implementation of a local revenue-return system to sustain resources.

Product Development. A variety of tourism products under development to provide visitors a diversity of experience and scenery, including: mountain bike trails, fisheries habitat restoration work projects, offshore/ marine tourism (including catch and release fishing, crabbing, diving, bird and whale watching, and trips with commercial fishing boats), art and photography workshops, and a walkway suspended in an old-growth forest canopy, similar to those that attract travelers to tropical forest sites.

Business Training. Technical assistance for existing businesses and new entrepreneurs (emphasizing displaced fisheries and timber workers) in preparation for enhanced roles in the new economic sector.

Marketing. Development of marketing publications; and a kick-off marketing event that will bring in national and global travel operators and writers.

A draft plan has been completed and test marketing is underway. The first new business has opened an enterprise by a former timber worker and other businesses are scheduled to open in the fall of 1995.

Partners: A county-wide steering committee is comprised of representatives of local land management agencies (Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Parks), local tourism businesses (inn and motel owners, concessionaires), conservation organizations (e.g., Siskiyou Coast Explorers Club), and local government. Members of this committee also met with additional groups including the timber and fishing industry, real estate, chambers of commerce, and senior citizens on a county-wide basis.

Illinois Valley Visitors Center:

A visitor center was developed by a partnership effort of the USDA Forest Service's Illinois Valley Ranger District, the Community of Cave Junction and Josephine County. Local resource agencies pooled funds to staff the visitor center.

Cave Junction is located in the heart of one of the largest expanses of serpentine soil on earth. The surrounding area boasts a unique and diverse assemblage of plants adapted to this distinctive soil type. In addition to outstanding botanical resources, other attractions include the Oregon Caves National Monument, the Wild and Scenic Illinois River, the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, wineries and scenic drives along Illinois Valley back roads.

Partners: USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, City of Cave Junction, Josephine County, Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Powers to Glendale Bicycle Trail:

Local citizens of Powers (population 700) and Glendale (population 1,200) have initiated an ambitious project that would link these two rural timber towns with a bike route. As part of the process, existing timber roads would be converted with federal funds to suitable mountain bike tour routes.

The Powers Ranger District is working with local groups on marketing programs to bring cycle enthusiasts to the relatively remote area. Cycle Oregon, an immensely popular highway bicycle tour organized by the state of Oregon, traveled through Glendale on its 1994 fall tour to familiarize cyclists with the area. The project seeks to help diversify the economy of these small towns by bringing in new revenues from outside sources. Both existing and new service businesses will be supported by this venture, including general stores, restaurants, lodging, and guide entrepreneurs.

Partners: Powers Ranger District (USFS), Towns of Powers and Glendale, Coos and Douglas Counties, Bureau of Land Management, and various business entities. Powers Park Project:

The Powers Park Project was initiated by the community of Powers, Oregon, through a partnership with the Forest Service and Coos County Parks. The community of Powers has nearly completed the architectural and design phase for this $1.3 million community center and large group camp development in the County Park . The Forest Service contributed grant funds and technical assistance to this project, which will capitalize on tourism opportunities by offering an enhanced destination site.

Partners: Powers Ranger District (USFS), Coos County Parks, community of Powers.

Elderhostel:

The community of Powers organized a partnership of Forest Service and local entities to offer Elderhostel, a week-long program of natural history, fisheries studies, and local folklore and cultural events.

Partners: Powers Ranger District (USFS), Southwestern Oregon Community College, City of Powers.

Johnson Mill Pond:

The USFS has been a partner with the Port of Bandon in development of Johnson Mill Pond. The Forest Service provided technical advice and funding to convert an old log storage pond along the main highway into a recreational and wildlife viewing area.

Partners: Powers Ranger District (USFS), Port of Bandon.

Key Contacts:

Sue Olson, Public Affairs Officer, Siskiyou National Forest (503) 471-6515.

Egret Communications, Eugene, Oregon (503) 998-1020.

Bill Forbes, Chetco Ranger District, (503) 469-2196.

Susan Mathison, Gold Beach Ranger District (503) 247-6651.

Katie Wetzel, Illinois Valley Ranger District (503) 592-2166.

Tina Harbert, Powers Ranger District, (503) 439-3011.

August, 1995

Prepared by The National Rural Tourism Foundation: John Sem, Project Coordinator; Sylvia Labrucherie and Shauna Palmer, Research Assistants; (303) 556-6010.

Forest Based Community Tourism and Recreation

The United States Forest Service (USFS) is the leading provider of outdoor recreation in the world and has a long history of involvement in resource based tourism. Tourism fits within the agency mission to "care for the land and serve people." The case studies in this publication demonstrate the innovations and commitment the USFS has made to working with other partners in developing a sustainable community and regional tourism and recreation program.

Rural Information Center National Agricultural Library 10301 Baltimore Ave., Room 123 Beltsville, MD 20705-2351 [email protected] 1-800-633-7701