Nature-based Tourism Development Workshop Oregon Rural Tourism Studio John Day River Territory December 7, Group Discussion: Outcomes

Transcription

1 Nature-based Tourism Development Workshop Oregon Rural Tourism Studio John Day River Territory December 7, 2010 Group Discussion: Outcomes Top Unique/Uncommon Natural Features in the Region River canyons (2) Multi-cascade views John Day River Fossil Beds Monument (2) Geology, tiered lava flows Fossils National Wild & Scenic John Day River (2) Wildlife: big horn sheep, wild horses, elk, antelope, wild turkeys, birding, steelhead (JD most important salmon sanctuary in the Columbia Basin due to its native steelhead runs according to the Wild Salmon Center), small mouth bass fishery in the JD River, Wildflowers Precious stones Spring Basin Wilderness Blue Mountains Top Manmade Features Rolling wheatfield scenery Farming practices, ranch experience, etc. Ghost towns Observations after the Inventory of Region s Natural, Manmade, and Enhanced Attractions Not many interpretive trails that are accessible Lots of river access Hardly any trails at all We don t know enough about this region! Historic ghost towns is a common theme through the region Lack of trails for skiers some in Ochocos and Blue Mountains between Spray and Heppner Huge opportunity for rail-trails from Arlington to Kinzua and from Biggs to Shaniko Boat launches are missing from the inventory list. There are 4 on the John Day River and one unmarked There are a lot of unmarked archeological, natural and historical sites of significance There are recreation areas that aren t marked on the maps how would one know that they re there? Trails and assets exist but land is often under private ownership (ski trails around Kinzua noted) 1

2 There seems to be opportunity in restoration activities to draw attention to watershed restoration activities (volun-tourism) 2

3 Region s Top Five Nature-based Tourism Attractions (manmade or otherwise) that are the most important in attracting visitors & the access facilities associated with each SC: The Deschutes River (2); camping, boat ramps SC: The John Day River (2); limited boat access from the Sherman Co side SC: The Columbia River (2); campgrounds, boat ramps, windsurfing beaches SC: Wheat fields & scenery; good driving routes Tri-County: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument/Painted Hills Tri-County: Wildlife based attractions including hunting, fishing and observation WC: The John Day Fossil Beds WC: Public digging behind the school in Fossil for fossils WC: The John Day River (2 nd longest free-flowing river in the U.S.) WC: The Oregon Paleo Lands Institute (programs, tours, workshops) WC: Two county parks & Spray city park, provide access to the JD River Tri-county: River floating down the Wild & Scenic River Tri-county: BLM wilderness on the river & Sutton Mt Tri-county: Wildlife watching (ex: wintering eagles on the John Day) Primary ways that the Activities and / or Attractions could be enhanced Trails: horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking (3) Nature-based festivals & events Interpretive pull-outs about the wheat farming (Sherman Co.) Mountain identifier in Sherman County Photography expedition (2) Biking (road, mountain & motorcycles) Agri-tourism (ranch & farm experiences) Big Horn Sheep-over (play on the sleepover) Guided nature tours Cross country skiing More river access and restroom facilities along the river ATV park Geological tours w/ new public & private sites Activities on National Forestland they re there now, but they re not well known Horseback touring Cycling greater support networks Wildlife watching/birding (2) unique mammals, wintering eagles, dragonflies, steelhead & birds Add Sutton Mountain and Spring Basin to the National Monument -- there are geologically and biologically significant sites Top Five Nature-based Activities that are Important to the Region Boating & river recreation (4) 3

4 Fishing (4) Hunting (4) Scenic driving (3) Wildlife viewing (3) Camping Photography Rockhounding Fossil hunting Fossil Bed National Monument & town of Fossil touring, guided hikes with park ranger (most visited site in Eastern Oregon) What do you want to do in the next 1-3 years to address the region s limitations / what overall foals do you need to set to take advantage of the most positive ratings Improve tourism services o Restaurant / hotelier hospitality training o Forging alliances to develop more after hours food options o Improve emergency fuel options (i.e., solve the car lock situation) Develop partnerships with private land owners to develop guided tours Develop events (e.g., sheep-over, photography festival) Increase accessibility through signage and interpretive tours Create a master database of regional activities and services Identify how best to reach target markets through market research Develop relationships with the public lands agencies to foster tourism Increase local awareness of tourism assets in the 9 gateway communities Develop infrastructure and opportunities for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing through a regional Nature-based Recreation Development Plan Nature-based Tourism Development Workshop Participant Materials: Handout Notes Assessment What are the Region s Top Natural Features Rivers (3) Mountains (2) Plains (2) Meadows (1) Canyons (3) Caves Fall Foliage (2) Forests Fossils (2) Valleys (2) Precious Stones Wilderness 4

5 Geological Formations (3) Wildlife (3) Plant Life (2) What other natural features could be of interest to visitors and locals if they were made aware of them? Stargazing Climate Hot springs River canyons Biodiversity Canyon mountains habitats Hiking Trails List any animal and / or plant species in your region that are uncommon, rare, or endangered. This information is typically available from both federal and state governments. Bull trout, cut-throat trout, Dolly Varden, Mid Columbia steelhead, Big Horn sheep, cougars, Pileated woodpecker, eagles, white pelicans Hedgehog cactus, mushrooms, orchids, balsam root, lupine Now list the top three to five natural features you think are uncommon or unusual and may be the most important in terms of attracting visitors to your region 1. Fossils; John Day Fossil Beds 2. Rivers; John Day, Deschutes 3. Wilderness 4. Wildlife 5. Mountains What Are the Region s Manmade and Enhanced Attractions? National Parks and Monuments (3) State Parks (4) County Parks (8) City Parks (12) Picnic Areas (~20-21) Recreation Areas (0) Observation Points/Scenic Overlooks (4+) Historic Landmarks (~26) Natural Landmarks (87+) Archeological Sites (many) Museums (10) Visitor Centers/Information Booths (3) Orchards (7) Wineries (0) Historic Farms (15+) Fish Hatcheries (0) Gardens (0) Dude Ranches (3) 5

6 Trails, accessible to mountain bikes (unknown) Trails, accessible to hiking (20 miles plus) Trails, accessible to horses (unknown) Trails, accessible to skiers (unknown) Trails, accessible to persons with disabilities (3-4 miles) Trails, with interpretation (3-4 miles) Board Walks Marinas Harbors Wharves Other: o National Forests (2+) o Boat Launches (5+) What Are the Region s Top Manmade and Enhanced Attractions? 1. Historic and Natural Landmarks; Sherars Falls, Painted Hills, Picture Gorge, Lewis & Clark, Oregon Trail, Wasco Depot, old churches and barns 2. Trails; Accessible to hiking 3. Boat ramps and boat launches on rivers; Gilles French, Le Page (Columbia/John Day), Deschutes 4. County and state parks 5. Ghost Towns; Mayville, Lonerock, Kinzua What Are the Region s Main Natural Attractions? SC: The Deschutes River (2); camping, boat ramps SC: The John Day River (2); swimming, fishing, limited boat access from the Sherman County side SC: The Columbia River (2); campgrounds, boat ramps, windsurfing beaches, fishing, dam SC: Wheat fields and scenery; good driving routes WC: The John Day Fossil Beds WC: Public digging for fossils behind Wheeler High School in Fossil WC: The John Day River; boat launching, campsites, fishing, Cottonwood Canyon to come WC: The Oregon Paleo Lands Institute; restrooms, visitors info, programs, tours, workshops WC: Two county parks and Spray City Park, provide access to the John Day River (restrooms tourist info) GC: Wildlife-based; hunting, fishing, observation Tri-County: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument/Painted Hills Tri-County: Wildlife based attractions including hunting, fishing and observation Tri-County: River floating down the Wild and Scenic River Tri-County: BLM wilderness on the river, and Sutton Mountain Tri-County: Wildlife watching (e.g. wintering eagles on the John Day) Ways the Attractions and/or Activities could be enhanced Better signage; interpretive signs, mountain identifier, info/travel kiosks 6

7 Public restrooms (with fresh water) Web based info Scenic waysides on state highways Local guides What Nature-based Tourism Activities exist? Archery (2) Bird-Watching (3) Biking on Mountain (2) Biking on Road (3) Boating (3) Camping (3) Canoeing (3) Driving, Scenic (3) Festivals and Events (2) Fishing (3) Geocaching (3) Hiking/Trekking (3) Horseback Riding (3) Hunting (3) Kayaking River/Whitewater (3) Nature Walks (3) Photography (3) Picnicking (3) Rafting on Flatwater (2) Rafting on Whitewater (3) Rock hounding (2) Rock Climbing, Running/Jogging (3) Sailing, Snowshoeing/Skiing, Swimming (3) Wildlife Viewing (3) Wind Surfing/Kite Boarding (2) List the top five nature-based tourism activities you think are currently the most important to your region in terms of attracting visitors River recreation; rafting, kayaking, boating (3) Fishing (3) Hunting (3) Fossil beds and fossil hunting (2) Wildlife viewing (2) Scenic driving (2) Rock hounding (2) Camping Hiking tours Photography Road biking 7

8 List the top five nature-based tourism activities you think could be developed to attract visitors to your region Trails (3); hiking, horse riding (difficult due to private property) Tours (2); guided nature tours, geological tours (with new public & private sites) Cross country skiing More river access and restroom facilities along the river Biking (2); road, mountain, motorcycling ATV parks Wildlife viewing/birding (2); mammals, wintering eagles, dragonflies, steelhead, sheep Agro tourism; ranch and farm experiences Photography expeditions (2) Nature-based festivals and events; windsurf tournament at Rufus, kite tournament, Big Horn sheep over (play on the sleepover) Mountain identifier Interpretive pull-outs about the wheat farming (SC) National monuments; adding Sutton Mountain, Spring Basin to John Day as they are geologically and biologically significant sites What Tourist Services and Amenities Are Available? Hotels/Motels (7 GC and WC), (140 rooms SC) B&B s/farm stays (10 GC and WC) Campgrounds (7 GC and WC), (92 sites SC) Recreational Vehicle Facilities (10 GC and WC), (50 sites SC) Restaurants/Diner/Delis (25) Bars/Brewpubs/Nightlife (7) Grocery Stores (10) Gift Shops (12) Local Maps and Brochures (13 locations available) Gas stations (6) Hospitals/Health Clinics (6) Road/Highway/Interstate access (SC and GC: Excellent, WC: Good) Local Airports (3) Public Transport Availability (SC and GC: Good, WC: Poor) Shuttle Services for bicycling, rafting, etc. (7-8, SC: Some on rivers but based out of other counties) Horseback Riding Tour Operators (1) Rafting Tour Operators (2) Hiking/Bicycling Tour Operators (2) Naturalist Guides (4) Fishing Guides (~10) Hunting Guides (~8) Sporting goods/outfitter stores (7) 8

9 Other (WC: Guidebooks/national history books) What overall goals do you need to set to address these limitations that you have identified? / What overall goals do you need to set to take advantage of the most positive rating areas? Increase accessibility through signage and interpretive tools Create a master database of Oregon s all activities and services (existing and potential) Tourism market research target markets Private stakeholders working/coordinating Public/private relations/coordination Increase tourism services and amenities (lodging, food, gas, etc.) Develop partnerships with private landowners to increase access for guided expeditions, hiking, wildlife viewing, rock hounding, fossils, photography, etc. Identify one event to hold and proceed with planning (e.g. Sheep Over, Photography Expedition/Festival with Peter Marbach) Work with local restaurants to have hospitality 101 and develop regular hours 9