Trinidad Beach in light fog -- Copyright 2009 Edmund Metheny
A couple of weeks ago, the Crescent City Daily Triplicate introduced us to an exciting mapping project: the North Coast California Geotourism project, covering the Del Norte to Marin areas, including Lake County.
Working with the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, the North Coast Tourism Council and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management are compiling a Geotourism Map Guide. The NGCSD has already contributed large databases of fascinating information to Google Earth.
The Del Norte County Visitors Bureau is exploring this opportunity to make the North Coast shine in the public’s eye, along several other ideas to attract more tourism.
So what exactly does “geotourism” mean? According to the North Coast Geotourism project site:
Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.
The project team is hoping to develop an online geotourism guide and database, and perhaps a paper (poster map) version as well. I expect the database will also be available in online mapping applications like Google Maps and Google Earth.
Through an online nomination form, anyone can submit a site: natural, cultural, and historic attractions, etc. You can also download and print the PDF form and fax it to (831) 647-4244, or mail it back to BLM California Coastal National Monument, 229 Foam Street, Monterey, CA 93940.
What kind of sites get listed? Here is a list of categories to draw from:
- Natural area (river, waterfall, botanical, geologic feature)
- Beach, tidepool, public pier or other coastal access
- Cultural, traditional experience, museum or site
- Native American Heritage Sites
- Festivals, celebration, ceremony, or event
- Historic site (fort, cemetery, church, shipwreck, etc.)
- Arts, artisan, or handicrafts
- Outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, kayaking, etc.)
- Music, dance, theater, storytelling, etc.
- Accommodation (B&B, lodge)
- Culinary, cuisine (restaurant, café, wine bar, brew pub)
- Visual attraction (scenic overlook, photo point, etc.)
- Farm, agriculture, ranch, winery, etc.
- Redwoods theme (hikes, groves, restoration, etc.)
- Wildlife habitat and/or wildlife viewing
- Locally or family-owned business
- Scenic byway or drive
- Eco-friendly (fish-friendly farming, carbon neutral, etc.)
- Salmon theme (fish viewing area, hatchery, restoration efforts, river float trips, exhibits, etc. )
So why not take a few hours to sit with family or friends some weekend this month, list your favourite sites, and fill the form together to brag about the local “best kept secrets”? The form is very simple and there is even an example of filled form available on the Website to help guide answers.
The deadline for nominations was first set for March 30, but has been extended to May 31, 2009. For questions, call Marcia deChadenedes, Project Coordinator at 831-372-6225.
Links of interest:
- North Coast California Geotourism
- Crescent City/Del Norte Chamber of Commerce
- Humboldt County Guide
- National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations
- North Coast Tourism Council
- U.S. Bureau of Land Management
- California Coastal National Monument
[...] April, 2009 by Sophie Lagacé On Monday I talked about the North Coast Geotourism project and how the public can submit sites. There is only one potentially slightly tricky question in the [...]
[...] Monday’s post I talked about the North Coast Geotourism form through which you can submit locations of interest; [...]