[OR_Archaeology] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LAUNCHES GEOTOURISM PROJECT

[Susan White]

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LAUNCHES GEOTOURISM PROJECT

National Geographic, in partnership with Washington and Oregon, have
launched the Central Cascades Geotourism Initiative. The public will be
invited to participate in the development of a geotourism *MapGuide*
for the Central Cascades region, stretching from Mount Rainier National
Park to Crater Lake National Park.

The pilot project seeks to contribute to the economic health of
communities by promoting geotourism: tourism that sustains and enhances
the geographical character of a place, its environment, culture,
aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.

A community-based nomination process will be opened where local
residents and visitors may nominate unique landmarks, attractions,
activities, events, and businesses that define the region*s character
and distinctive appeal. A website at www.thecentralcascades.com, details
the project.

Public forums and presentations will be conducted in communities
throughout the Central Cascades to encourage nominations and community
involvement. Forums are scheduled Jan. 15 in Oakridge, Jan. 20 in
Maupin, Jan. 21 in Bend, Jan. 22 in LaPine, Jan. 26 in Sisters, and Jan.
27 in Warm Springs. Additional details and forums can be found at the
project's website.

Coordinating this geotourism initiative in Washington and Oregon are
the Central Cascades Project Advisory Committee, a coalition of Travel
Oregon, Washington State Tourism, Sustainable Travel International,
Rural Development Initiatives, Sustainable Northwest, the U.S. Forest
Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Significant funding and
regional leadership are being provided by Travel Oregon, Washington
State Tourism, USDA Forest Service/National Forest Scenic Byways
Transportation and Tourism Planning, the Bureau of Land Management,
Oregon Cultural Trust, Clackamas County Tourism Development Council,
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Oregon Visitors
Association, Convention and Visitors Association of Lane County Oregon,
Portland Metro and the Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association. 

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Susan Lynn White, RPA
Assistant State Archaeologist
Oregon State Historic Preservation Office
725 Summer Street NE, Suite C
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-986-0675
503-986-0793 FAX
Susan.White at state.or.us
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