Managing Recreation Assets -- Case Studies
Transcription
Managing Recreation Assets -- Case Studies
THE WEST: A WEALTH OF RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES “We don't promote the West - we take care of it. And if we do a good job, then there is a lot to promote.”* THE RECREATION POTENTIAL OF THE AMERICAN WEST The natural areas and amenities that make up the West’s “recreation assets” – its mountains, deserts, lakes, rivers, canyons, beaches, and wildlife populations, as well as trails, cabins, outhouses, signposts and access points – provide unique outdoor recreation experiences for the region’s citizens. Just as importantly these areas are magnets for tourists from the U.S. and abroad. These natural assets generate jobs and incomes for local communities as people spend money for equipment, food, lodging, gas , and services like rafting, fishing and hunting guides. RECREATION FROM THE MANAGER’S PERSPECTIVE The recent economic recession and cutbacks in federal and state support for parks and protected areas have posed significant challenges for planners and land managers working to provide high quality recreation opportunities and protect the natural and cultural resources on which they depend. In addition, managers are contending with aging infrastructures, extreme weather events, and new social trends such as changing recreation preferences. The Get Out West! initiative interviewed 24 recreation managers from a range of jurisdictions and geographic areas to identify their recommendations for how to continue to provide world-class recreation opportunities despite these changing conditions. Interviewees were selected by an advisory group for having demonstrated especially innovative responses to recreation management challenges. The posters displayed here represent what each manager considers to be their best recreation success story – whether because it generates significant economic revenue for local communities, represents overcoming a major challenge, demonstrates special innovation, or is simply an especially enjoyable recreation experience. Managers’ responses are more fully captured in the WGA report titled “Managing the Region’s Recreation Assets.” Their recommendations to policymakers are in that report and summarized here. The posters displayed here represent examples of the West’s recreation success stories – whether because they generate significant economic revenue for local communities, represent overcoming a major challenge, demonstrate special innovation, or are just especially enjoyable places to go. Lead efforts to integrate and streamline landscape-level recreation opportunities – such as by mapping all recreation assets in the state and by encouraging all outdoor recreation stakeholders to work together to develop and implement a regional integrated outdoor recreation plan. Opportunities for recreation and alternative transportation routes (such as bike paths) that connect urban areas and wildlands are increasingly in demand. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WESTERN GOVERNORS Recognize and invest in the economic and qualitative values of outdoor recreation – such as by supporting full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and reauthorization of the Recreation Trails Program. Managers continue to rely on public support for vital aspects of their work. Promote innovate ways to raise revenue for outdoor recreation – such as through new amenities, products and programming, grants and creative spending, supporting the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and streamlining fees across multiple jurisdictions. Governors are especially well-positioned to encourage citizens to purchase permits and passes for hunting, fishing and other types of recreation access in their states. Facilitate synergistic partnerships – such as among government agencies, professional user groups, Conservation Corps, tribes, gateway communities, private companies, and private landowners. Partnerships were identified by managers as the single most powerful strategy in successful recreation management. Governors can help broker such partnerships by hosting state-wide recreation meetings. Promote demand for recreation in the West – such as by directing the state tourism department to include all the state’s outdoor recreation and cultural assets (state, BLM, Forest Service, private, and tribal lands) in marketing materials, and by working with other Western governors to develop policies and promotional materials that make the West the world capitol of tourism and outdoor recreation and a model for the rest of the country. 34 33 3 2 4 5 1 10 8 15 16 6 7 13 11 12 14 9 20 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 18 19 28 31 32 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. The Intertwine (Portland/Vancouver) Duthie Hill Skagit Tours (North Cascades National Park) Methow Valley Sport Trails Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes City of Rocks National Reserve Sawtooth National Recreation Area Access Yes! (state-wide) Land of the Yankee Fork State Park GK Jerky (Grant-Kohrs Ranch) The Snake River Fund The Children’s Forest (Bridger-Teton National Forest) Maah Daah Hey Trail (The Badlands) The Outdoor Campus (Sioux Falls) Chappie-Shasta OHV Area Redding Trails Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. Wildwood Canyon State Park Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Paiute ATV Trail Goblin Valley State Park Sovereign Trail Dead Horse Point State Park Monticello BLM Field Office Maroon Bells (White River National Forest) Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Table Mesa Chama Peak Landowners Alliance Little Sahara State Park Alaska’s Public Use Cabins (state-wide) Diamond Head State Monument Fort Langley National Historic Site (Canada) Banff National Park (Canada) Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park (Guam – not shown on map) *David Cernicek, Natural Resource Specialist, Bridger-Teton National Forest. Special thanks to the many managers and planners who participated in this project. Research and poster design by WGA Mickelson Fellow, Sara Jo Breslow. Many thanks to WSDOT and WDFW for production assistance. For more information visit: www.westgov.org. LOCATION The Portland, Oregon-Vancouver, Washington metropolitan region SIZE 270 miles of regional trails and 56,857 acres of parks and natural areas RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Hiking, walking, road biking, mountain biking, paddling, swimming, fishing, bird and wildlife watching, horseback riding, kite flying, skating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing POPULATION SERVED 2.1 million MANAGER 35 different local, state, and federal parks jurisdictions working together through “The Intertwine Alliance” PARTNERS There are over 60 partners in The Intertwine Alliance including private companies such as KEEN Footwear, ODS, PGE, and Mayer Reed Landscape Architects; public agencies such as the National Park Service, the Port of Portland, and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation; and nonprofit organizations such as the Trust for Public Land, Audubon Society of Portland, Friends of Trees and the Urban Greenspaces Institute. ANNUAL BUDGET $300,000 REVENUE SOURCES Contributions from Alliance partners make up roughly half the budget. The other half comes from corporate, public and foundation grants. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Supports healthy living with $155 million annually in averted healthcare costs and ecosystem services estimated at $3.3 billion. In addition, new and existing companies cite the parks, trails and natural areas in the region as key to attracting and retaining employees, especially firms from the outdoor and athletic industry—such as Nike, Columbia and KEEN—which employs more than 14,000 workers in the region and pays wages that average more than $80,000 a year. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES The Intertwine Alliance’s central objectives are to ensure the region’s network of parks, trails and natural areas are completed and cared for, and to help the residents of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan region connect with nature and live active, healthy lives. The Alliance works with conservation coalitions in Chicago, Houston, Cleveland, Milwaukee, the Bay Area and Los Angeles to promote the exchange of best practices for metropolitan recreation and conservation nationwide. This national coalition, called the Metropolitan Greenspaces Alliance, also works with federal agencies to help them better leverage their investments in metropolitan regions. T H E I N T E RT W I N E “ F o r u s , T h e I n t e r t w i n e i n i t i at i v e i s a p e r f e c t e x a m p l e o f leadership focused on outdoor community connection with a real plan that the entire Portland region can call its own.” - J a m e s C u r l e i g h , Pr e s i d e n t a n d C E O , K E E N F o o t w e a r The Alliance has integrated information from dozens of public, private and nonprofit partners to create a single portal to nature in the metropolitan region at www.theintertwine.org. It is also implementing an integrated park and trail signing system along with technologies to deliver information to handheld devices. The Alliance is implementing a campaign to engage residents with nature near where they live. It is also identifying new sources of funding for parks, trails and natural areas and finding ways to better leverage existing investments. For more information visit: www.theintertwine.org Birdwatching, biking and canoeing on The Intertwine’s Springwater Corridor in Portland, Oregon. Photos: Mike Houck LOCATION West central Washington State, 30 minutes east of Seattle SIZE 6.5 miles of cross-country trail and 2 miles of varying difficulty freeride lines on 130 acres RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Mountain biking trails specifically designed for riders of all skill levels with opportunities for progression through skill specific practice areas VISITS PER YEAR 100,000 in 2010 and increasing LAND MANAGER King County Parks PARK PARTNER Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance ANNUAL BUDGET $500,000 plus 14,000 hours of volunteer labor (valued at $200,000) to build the park in 3 years REVENUE SOURCES King County grants and private donations; Evergreen and its volunteer contributions saved the County an estimated $1 million LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Not calculated. The park is in a high-technology suburban neighborhood so it is difficult to identify direct economic impact there. But if it were in a more rural county it could have a significant impact. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Responding to demand. Both King County and Evergreen wanted to create a park specifically to address the enormous and growing demand for mountain biking trails. Partnering with a user group. Since the park was designed by mountain bikers and built by Evergreen volunteers, it was exactly what the user community wanted. If a private company had built the park it would not have had the community buy-in. The lesson is that a partnership with a credible user group that has skills, expertise and resources has enormous pay-offs. For more information visit: http://evergreenmtb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Trail:Duthie_Hill#Trail_ Overview http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails/backcountry/duthi ehill.aspx Photos: Ralph Underwood Photography DUTHIE HILL “People come to a park. Then they begin to ride a bike on a trail. Then they fall in love with the sport. And then they ask: Where else can I ride? … Demand is huge and growing but the supply of trails open to mountain bikes is not keeping up with that demand.” – G l e n n G l o v e r, E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r, E v e r g r e e n M o u n t a i n B i k e A l l i a n c e LOCATION North Cascades National Park Complex, in northwest Washington State SIZE Skagit Boat Tours cover about 10 nautical miles. North Cascades Expeditions cover about 70 highway miles and five miles of easy hiking trails. RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Skagit Boat Tours, North Cascades Expeditions, Powerhouse Tours, Newhalem Walking Tours, and Skagit Information Center VISITS PER YEAR 14,343 in 2011 MANAGER OF THE TOURS Seattle City Light PARTNERS North Cascades National Park and North Cascades Institute REVENUE SOURCES Ticket sales from Skagit Boat Tours ($30) and North Cascades Expeditions ($25) LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Skagit Tours participants spend money in the park’s gateway communities for food, lodging, gas, mementos, and supplies. Meals served at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center as part of many of the tours are comprised of locally-grown meat and produced from small, sustainable farms. The tours also add about six jobs to the local economy. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Recognizing the potential. For over 80 years, Seattle City Light (SCL) offered tours of its Skagit Hydroelectric Project. But SCL is in the business of generating power, not tourism. Enter the North Cascades Institute, which operates an Environmental Learning Center, and the National Park Service, which manages the land in which SCL operates. SCL recognized that collaborating with these two partners, both of whom have extensive experience in educational programming and public outreach, would improve the visitor experience and cut costs. A partnership was piloted last year and is in full-swing this year. Partnership. The partners found their areas of common interest, identified their core strengths, and now collaborate to provide fun and memorable experiences for visitors to the North Cascades. Relaxing and distributing ownership. Each partner is comfortable with not owning the whole thing. The “partnership” owns it, and as a result the risk and credit is distributed. S K A G I T TO U R S “It’s really crazy. Here you have a hydroelectric project that provides n e a r l y 2 0 % o f S e a t t l e ’s e l e c t r i c i t y r i g h t i n t h e m i d d l e o f a N a t i o n a l P a r k ! A n d y o u h a v e t h e p r o j e c t ’s o p e r a t o r , S e a t t l e C i t y L i g h t , c o l l a bo r at i n g w i t h t h e N o r t h C a s c a d e s I n s t i t u t e a n d t h e N a t i o n a l P a r k Service to provide visitors with a fun and memorable experience.” - C h i p J e n k i n s , S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , N o r t h C a s c a d e s N a t i o n a l Pa r k C o m p l e x For more information visit: ncascades.org/signup/programs/skagit-tours Ranger Lauren and Skagit Tours participants having fun on Diablo Lake. Photo: NPS / David Astudillo LOCATION Methow Valley, in North Central Washington State SIZE Nearly 200 kilometers of all season trails – the largest and best quality Nordic ski area in North America! RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Cross-country ski trails in the winter; hiking and biking trails in the summer VISITS PER YEAR 45,000 skier-days in winter and 45,000+ summer trail users (average, 1998-2005) MANAGER Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) PARTNERS US Forest Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Department of Transportation, Okanogan County, Methow Conservancy, and 166 private landowners. The County owns the trails in perpetuity, while MVSTA manages it. ANNUAL BUDGET $779,000 REVENUE SOURCES 2/3 of the budget ($524,000) is from winter trail passes; 1/3 comes from contributions from trail users and advocates, local business sponsors, and other federal, state, county, and private foundation grants; plus 2,500 volunteer hours per year LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT $8.6 million in direct and indirect revenue to the local economy, with employment generation of 128.5 FTEs directly and 124 FTEs indirectly associated with the trails KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Recognizing the assets they had: good snow, sunny weather, and a favorable political climate M E T H O W VA L L E Y S P O RT T R A I L S “We are now at a point where more landowners want trails on their property than the MVSTA can service. People realized that the trail was an asset to the value of their property. The trail system is a cornerstone of the local economy and has become a source of pride a n d p a r t o f t h e l o c a l c o m m u n i t y ’s i d e n t i t y . ” – J a m e s D e S a l v o , E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r, a n d D a n i c a K a u f m a n , P r o g r a m M a n a g e r, M e t h o w Va l l e y S p o r t Tr a i l s A s s o c i a t i o n Partnerships with private landowners: in the 1980s three original landowners connected their independent ski trail systems into one; after 100’s of kitchen-table conversations, they convinced 163 additional landowners to exchange trail access for benefits, such as free season passes. Trail access is enabled via deeded right of ways and permanent trail easements. Improving the quality of the existing trail system and adapting to changing demographics, such as adding new trailheads and an ice rink, offering childrens’ programs and making trails free for 12 year olds and under. Industry-leading organization, knowledge, and technology of prepping Nordic ski trails An industry-leading social networking campaign, with exposure to 1 million people. Their best marketing asset is word of mouth and people wanting to come back: when people are “bought in” they become ambassadors for the organization and the whole local community. For more information visit: www.mvsta.com LOCATION Southern Idaho SIZE 14,407 acres RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES World-class rock climbing, camping, hiking, equestrian riding, scenic photography, birding, and historic trails VISITS PER YEAR 95,000 MANAGERS National Park Service and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation PARTNERS Cassia County and 9 separate landowners ANNUAL BUDGET $647,964 in 2012 REVENUE SOURCES National Park Service and user fees (camping, day-use, resale, permits) LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT 95,000 visitors in 2010 spent $6,278,000 in City of Rocks National Reserve and in communities near the park. That spending supported 89 jobs in the local area. Most of the spending/jobs are related to lodging, food, and beverage service (52%) followed by other retail (29%), entertainment/amusements (10%), gas and local transportation (7%) and groceries (2%). KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Provide the majority of facilities outside the Reserve in three units of Castle Rocks State Park – e.g. visitor center, full-service campgrounds, guest lodge, shop complex, and employee housing. This ensures that the scenic and historic asset is preserved, external threats are diminished, and operational needs are met. C I T Y O F R O C K S N AT I O N A L R E S E RV E “City of Rocks is proving to be an economic engine to local communities, Cassia County, and Southern Idaho.” – Wa l l a c e Ke c k , Pa r k S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , I d a h o S t a t e Pa r k s Operate the parks with a business mindset and marketing plan. Turn as many state park facilities as possible into revenue producers. Recently the department converted a centuryold ranch house into a guest lodge, placed yurts in campgrounds, and began offering ranger-led rock climbing experiences for a fee. Work with local businesses to cross-promote, develop joint vacation packages, and market City of Rocks as a destination. Hold the nationally significant values in highest regard, and focus on visitor experience and customer satisfaction. For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/ciro/index.htm http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/cityo frocks.aspx LOCATION The headwaters to the Eastern boundary of the Salmon River in central Idaho. The next Tom Cruise film may be shot there! SIZE 756,000 acres and 70 miles of the Salmon River; 750 miles of single track trails, 300 in wilderness; 120 km of Nordic trails; and 5 huts RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Snowmobiling, skiing, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, motorized activities, fishing, rafting, hunting VISITS PER YEAR Do not have the staff to track visitation MANAGER US Forest Service PARTNERS Outfitters, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the Sawtooth Society, Backcountry Horsemen of Idaho, Wilderness Volunteers, Student Conservation Association REVENUE SOURCES Grants, Friends group, partnerships, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Craig Widen Resource Advisory Committee, the Sawtooth Society’s specialty license plates LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Nordic skiing has mushroomed because the quality of the trails has improved since the user conflict was resolved. Now the town of Ketchum has a Nordic skiing festival with races and music. The local community derives significant revenue from that week. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Addressing the motorized vs. non-motorized conflict with a collaborative approach. Due to changing technology, snowmobilers and backcountry skiers began overlapping in places they never had before. In the late 1990s there was an all-out war on the snow. There were letters to the newspaper and a ski hut was burned. S AW TO O T H N AT I O N A L R E C R E AT I O N A R E A “ O n e d a y t h e w h o l e g r o u p w e n t o u t s n o w m o b i l in g a n d a n o t h e r d a y t h e whole group went out skiing – to understand and see how important each a c t i v i t y w a s t o t h o s e p e o p l e . T h e g r o u p w a s m a d e u p o f n e i g h bo r s – a c c o u n t an t s a n d m e c h an i c s . I t i s h a r d t o s e e a g r i n o n y o u r n e i g h b o r ’s face and then say, ‘I don’t want you to enjoy your winter experience as m u c h a s I d o m i n e . ’” – E d C a n n a d y, B a c k c o u n t r y R e c r e a t i o n M a n a g e r, S a w t o o t h N a t i o n a l Re c r e a t i o n A r e a Convening a stakeholder group. A new group, called the Winter Recreation Coalition, worked for years to deal with conflicts after they occurred, but had limited success preventing conflict. Stepping in with leadership. Finally, the Forest Supervisor came to a group meeting with an offer: either the group agreed on a plan for winter recreation in the valley with recommendations he would then adopt, or he would make a plan for the area that no one would like. He gave them a year. It worked! They hired a mediator and the group eventually decided to close 230,000 acres to snowmobiles and nobody fought them on it. Identifying the best places for each activity. They found the best places for skiing and the best places for snowmobiling and wrote special orders to make it illegal for snowmobiles to be in the skiing places. Skiers, in turn, had to understand that the areas open to snowmobiles were motorized and that they should not expect a non-motorized experience there. Photo: Ed Cannady / www.edcannadyphotography.com LOCATION Private lands in Idaho SIZE During fiscal year 2012 the Idaho Department of Fish and Game enrolled over 448,000 acres of private land into this program. This is a voluntary program for private landowners. RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES The Access Yes! program is primarily focused on providing recreational opportunities for the public to engage in hunting and fishing on private land. However, some sites also allow for other wildlife-dependent recreation such as wildlife viewing or river access for boaters. VISITS PER YEAR Several thousand user days per year are estimated from sign-in sheets at certain areas. MANAGER The Private Lands and Farm Bill Program, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, as well as a landowner Sportsmen Coordinator in each of the Department’s seven regions in the state PARTNERS US Department of Agriculture and National Shooting Sports Association are grant sources. ANNUAL BUDGET $584,000 REVENUE SOURCES The sale of hunting licenses and funds from the Pittman/Robertson account – a revenue source generated by an excise tax on guns and ammunition. Idaho Department of Fish and Game also received a sizable grant from the US Department of Agriculture called the Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Improvement Program. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT The Department has never done an economic impact analysis of the program. However, these parcels are scattered throughout rural Idaho and the program generates financial revenue to rural economies to the sum of over $500,000 just in payments to landowners. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES The main focus of the program is to use various funding sources to lease properties from private landowners either to gain public access to private lands or to gain access through private lands in order to reach public lands for wildlife-dependent recreation – primarily hunting and fishing. ACCESS YES! “This program is about working with landowners to keep the outdoor t r a d i t i o n s a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s t h a t m a k e I d a h o s p e c i a l a v a i l a bl e t o a l l . ” – S a l P a l a z z o l o , P r i v a t e L a n d s / F a r m B i l l P r o g r a m M a n a g e r, I d a h o D e p a r t m e n t o f F i s h a n d G a m e For more information visit: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/accessyesguide. aspx Sal Palazzolo and dog Piper enjoy chukar hunting in Elmore County, Idaho. Photo: Jeff Knetter LOCATION Challis, Idaho SIZE Approximately 400 square miles in cooperative management and 535 acres in Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) ownership RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Three ghost towns, 38-mile back country byway, 200 miles of motorized trails, thousands of miles of hiking and equestrian trails, camping, scenic photography, white water rafting, fishing, hunting, birding, and an interpretive center with programs and displays VISITS PER YEAR 25,000-50,000 MANAGER Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Land Management, and the US Forest Service PARTNERS Custer County, Friends of Land of the Yankee Fork, Challis Chamber of Commerce, Land of the Yankee Fork Interpretive Association, Yankee Fork Gold Dredge Association, Veterans of Custer County ANNUAL BUDGET $232,000 REVENUE SOURCES IDPR-generated revenue from user fees (day-use, resale, permits), general fund, IDPR trails fund, grants, and various federal funds LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT A 2009 study showed Land of the Yankee Fork had an overall economic impact of over $1,000,000, considering total employment, visitor expenditures, and length of stay. These impacts were primarily from hotels/motels, service stations, restaurants, grocery stores and sporting goods sales but expenditures were made in virtually all sectors of the economy. Local job opportunities have shrunk significantly in the last three years and the economic impact of those job losses is keenly felt in Custer County, so the state park has been very important to the area. L A N D O F T H E YA N K E E F O R K “ B e c a u s e o f t h e u n i q u e n a t u r a l a n d c u l t u r al r e s o u r c e s s t i l l i n p l a c e , Land of the Yankee Fork’s historic area and surrounding ghost towns are very special. The self exploratory experience the park offers allows visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves into Idaho’s frontier mining history and travel back in time at their own pace.” – G a r t h Ta y l o r, R e g i o n M a n a g e r, I d a h o S t a t e P a r k s KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Provide the majority of visitor and administrative services at the Land of the Yankee Fork Interpretive center. This ensures that the scenic and historic assets of the ghost towns and trails are preserved while meeting operational needs. Position as many of the state park facilities as possible into a revenue producing strategy. Actively seek revenue producing campgrounds with higher end amenities, such as camping cabins/yurts at the proposed Broken Wing Ranch. Operate the parks with a business mindset and marketing plan. Work with national and local partners to fully develop the concept of cooperative management, which has proven to be especially successful. There has been some discussion of National Heritage designation. Work with local businesses, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and Region 7 Tourism to cross-promote, develop joint vacation packages, and market as a destination with services provided. Hold the nationally significant values in highest regard, and focus on visitor experience and customer satisfaction. For more information visit: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov LOCATION GK Jerky is high quality grass-fed jerky produced from cattle grown on the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site in central Montana and distributed by Montana State Parks to retail sites around the West. Now in year two of operation, GK Jerky is sold at approximately 16 Montana State Parks, 11 National Parks, and 38 other state and federal sites for a total of 65 retail sales locations. The jerky is made without added hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or MSG. Three flavors are available: Peppered, Original, and for the 2012 season, Teriyaki beef stick. RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Retail locations are chosen for their history of open-range cattle ranching, mining and recreational uses such as hiking and biking. For example, at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, where the cattle are grown, you will find over 80 historic structures, many historic artifacts, and walking trails on 1600 acres. At Bannack State Park you will find one of the West’s best-preserved ghost towns, with historical reenactments and the chance to try activities from the Gold Rush era – like panning for gold! PARTNERS Montana State Parks and National Park Service ANNUAL BUDGET The estimated 2012 operating budget for GK Jerky is approximately $33,000. REVENUE SOURCES Estimated revenue from jerky sales in 2012 is approximately $49,000. Bagged jerky prices range from $6 to $10; sticks are $1.50 to $2. Sales of all educational and interpretive merchandise were $150,000 in 2011. Revenues replenish inventory, pay for operations, park programming, and the development of cultural heritage products such as GK Jerky. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Local economic benefits begin with the processor Stillwater Packing, a family owned local meat processor in Montana. Jerky sales also benefit each retail location. These positive impacts then spread to retail sites beyond Montana State Parks as new retail outlets identify GK Jerky as a high-quality, healthy product produced to benefit state and national parks. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Developing an innovative interpretive product. In 1862, Montana’s first territorial sheriff hired Conrad Kohrs to drive three cows to Bannack, the site of Montana’s first large gold rush, to feed hungry miners. Today, Bannack State Park and Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site share this history with jerky from longhorn cattle raised at the ranch just like they did 150 years ago. The jerky tells a story about the rich history of mining and ranching in the West. Partnering. Two agencies partner to create a value added product. Montana State Parks buys the steers from the National Park Service and distributes and sells jerky to state and national parks for all visitors to enjoy. Sales proceeds go directly back into supporting state and national parks programs. GK JERKY “We have a unique interpretive product.” - C h a s Va n G e n d e r e n , D i r e c t o r, M o n t a n a S t a t e P a r k s Supporting local economies. This Made in Montana product is grass fed, all natural, and produced by small businesses to support local communities. For more information visit: stateparks.mt.gov or www.nps.gov/grko To order the jerky, email miburke@mt.gov or kraft.rw@gmail.com Hotel Meade and Skinner Saloon at Bannack. Insets: historic longhorn cattle at the Grant-Kohrs ranch; GK Jerky flyer; cowboy circa late 1800s. Photos: Montana State Parks and National Park Service LOCATION Bridger-Teton National Forest in Western Wyoming, Snake River Canyon SIZE 3.4 million acres of outstanding mountain ranges, watersheds, wildlife and fisheries, wildlands and recreation opportunities; 400+ miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers making up the headwaters of the Snake/Columbia drainage RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Whitewater rafting, fishing, kayaking, scenic driving, hiking, climbing, photography, wildlife/raptor watching, camping VISITS PER YEAR 150,000+ trips down 8 miles of river in less than 2 months per year MANAGER US Forest Service PARTNERS The Snake River Fund, whitewater outfitters, noncommercial boaters ANNUAL BUDGET $100,000 - $200,000 REVENUE SOURCES Half of the annual management budget is provided through the Snake River Fund, which gathers donations from whitewater outfitters that donate for each person they take down the river, as well as from clubs, community fundraising, and other donors. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT The scenery itself and public recreation opportunities draw river users who understand and support the merits of a voluntary donation program inviting public participation in lieu of a mandatory fee system. THE SNAKE RIVER FUND “This is an area where stakeholders don’t wait for Congress to act. The area i s p h e n o m e n al l y b e a u t i f u l , w i t h a m a z i n g r e c r e a t i o n o p p o r t u n i t i e s – a m a z i n g m o u n t a i n r a n g e s , i n c r e d i bl e w i l d l i f e , a n d c o n c e r n e d c i t i z e n s . N o t e v e r y o n e lives in a county where someone walks up with a $50,000 donation.” – D a v i d C e r n i c e k , N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e S p e c i a l i s t , B r i d g e r - Te t o n N a t i o n a l F o r e s t KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Partnering with a community fundraising group. In the late 1990s federal funding was bottoming out, leaving river managers with 200,000 people in the canyon but no money for staffing, facilities or repair. Then congress authorized fees to be collected on National Forests. Managers began implementing a mandatory fee collection program to preserve the resource and lessen human impacts. But this was very controversial and there were protests about the fees. A local community member did not like the imposition of fees and so offered the Forest Service $50,000. This was matched by community donations of $17,000. This began the Snake River Fund. Allowing the public to influence management decisions. If the Snake River Fund wants something David tries to make it happen. If they don’t want it to happen they will forego funding it. It definitely puts the public into an ownership position with respect to managing their natural resources. Relationship-building. Lots of communication, promotion of what’s going on, sharing visions, making clear partnerships, lots of trust, and lots of giving and taking. For more information visit: http://snakeriverfund.org/blog/ Photo: David Cernicek LOCATION Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming SIZE 3.4 million acres of outstanding mountain ranges, watersheds, wildlife and fisheries, wildlands and recreation opportunities RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Collecting, creating, expressing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, land art, unstructured play groups, tree climbing, family camping classes, a youth congress, and more! VISITS PER YEAR From 300 young participants in 2007 to 1,200 participants in 2011, focusing on opportunities for all children, without any barriers MANAGER US Forest Service PARTNERS Center of Wonder, Teton Science Schools, Jackson Hole Ski Club, Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Snake River Fund, Teton County Parks & Recreation, Grand Teton Association, Teton Conservation District, Teton Youth and Family Services, plus: arts-related groups, healthcare campaigns, mentor programs, museums, retailers, film festivals, adaptive gear manufacturers, literacy groups, domestic shelters, libraries, tribes, and many more (40-50 partners in total) ANNUAL BUDGET An initial $40,000 to build infrastructure, but very little going forward as the Forest Service is providing the platform where partners, kids and grantors come together, exchange resources, and use the forest REVENUE SOURCES US Forest Service More Kids in the Woods and Children’s Forest programs, grants and donations, Teton County Schools Recreation District, Jackson Hole One-Fly Foundation, Center of Wonder LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Inestimable: “It’s not about the money.” KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES A directive and grant from Washington to get kids outside. Inviting as many partners to the table as conceivable with an open forum to discuss what each has to share, and maintaining a loose and welcoming organization. The manager’s guarded secret for success: “Invite a lot of people to the table and don’t try to run it. See what everyone offers.” THE CHILDREN’S FOREST “I had partners come together and say ‘We’d LOVE to do this’ … We brought hundreds of kids out to the forest to do cool stuff, that cost the Forest Service nothing … In the madness of land management this is one of those bright things you can do that makes the world seem right.” – D a v i d C e r n i c e k , N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e S p e c i a l i s t , B r i d g e r - Te t o n N a t i o n a l F o r e s t Realizing that money was not imperative; partners were honored to be asked. Bringing kids to public lands, and having uniformed agency personnel available to interact and share with kids were the primary requests. Reaching underserved populations – kids who live in Teton County but have never been down the river – by raising grant money to cover their costs, inviting outfitters to participate off-season and by involving the schools and thereby earning the trust of the Latino community. Creating the “Teton 10” – a list of things kids in the area should all get a chance to do, like climbing a mountain, going down the river, and photographing wildlife. For more information visit: www.teton10.org Photo: Teton Science Schools LOCATION The Badlands of North Dakota SIZE 96 miles of maintained single track non-motorized trail, and 25 miles of access trails that connect the central trail to roads and campgrounds. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is an EPIC mountain biking trail and was named one of National Geographic’s Top 50 Adventures in 2009! RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, camping VISITS PER YEAR Up to 15,000 MANAGER US Forest Service PARTNERS Maah Daah Hey Trail Association, the State of North Dakota, National Park Service – Theodore Roosevelt National Park REVENUE SOURCES US Forest Service funds dedicated to the grasslands, state Recreational Trails Program grants LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Unestimated – visitors contribute through purchases of food, gas, lodging, and outfitter services KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Recognizing the opportunity. In 1999 work began on a nonmotorized single track trail through the Little Missouri River badlands. No one dreamed that it would become a world-class mountain biking attraction. MAAH DAAH HEY TRAIL “Trying to balance oil and gas development and grazing and recreation is part of caring for the land and serving people – we work together to make it work.” – P a u l a J o h n s t o n , R e c r e a t i o n M a n a g e r, U S F o r e s t S e r v i c e D a k o t a P r a i r i e G r a s s l a n d s Managing for multiple use. The area has a long history of multiple use. Much of the area was homesteaded in the early 1900’s; unsuccessful homesteads were bought back by the government. The US Forest Service took over management of these lands in 1954. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland at just over 1 million acres. It hosts the largest livestock grazing program on National Forest land, supporting the equivalent of 42,000 animals for a full year. It is also the site of some of the most intensive oil and gas drilling in the country, with over 650 producing oil and gas wells. These intensive uses undeniably impact the recreation experience, causing consternation among outfitters who view the trail as an exceptional recreation asset. Multiple use also provides education opportunities and a chance for users to work together to solve land use conflicts, rather than allowing conflicts to control land use. For more information visit: www.fs.fed.us/r1/dakotaprairie/recreation/maah-daahhey/index.shtml Taming the Badlands. Photo: Dan Glasser LOCATION Sioux Falls, South Dakota SIZE 100 acres and 2 miles of walking trails RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Classes in fishing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, archery, fly fishing, outdoor cooking, cross country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing and more VISITS PER YEAR 100,000+ MANAGER South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks PARTNERS City of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation ANNUAL BUDGET $546,445 REVENUE SOURCES Fishing and hunting license sales in South Dakota LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks uses license dollars to provide habitat, public hunting and fishing areas, and education programs. In turn, the recruitment of hunters and anglers leads to more license dollars. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Provide education about outdoor skills, wildlife, conservation and management practices of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to all ages in order to preserve our outdoor heritage. Provide an interactive experience that makes the outdoors accessible and fun. Partner with the city of Sioux Falls to provide a center piece attraction for visitors to the city; part of the “quality of life” promotion for the community in reaching out to new businesses and workers. For more information visit: www.outdoorcampus.org THE OUTDOOR CAMPUS Left: Naturalist Jared McGovern celebrates a catch with a student. Top: Naturalist Clint Whitley coaches young fishermen; Bottom: Making friends while crafting biscuit baskets over a campfire. “We are providing a portal for kids to discover the joy of the outdoors with a hope that they will one day be parents who actively incorporate this as part of their family life and pass the love and care for the outdoors on to future generations.” - C h u c k S c h l u e t e r, C o m m u n i c a t i o n s M a n a g e r, S o u t h D a k o t a G a m e , F i s h a n d P a r k s LOCATION 10 miles north of Redding, California, just west of Shasta Dam SIZE 52,000 acres and 200 miles of road and trail RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES All types of off-highway vehicles (OHVs), mountain biking, fishing, hunting, hiking, birding, and camping VISITS PER YEAR 34,094 visitor days MANAGER Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Redding Field Office PARTNERS California State Parks OHMVR Division, Shasta County Sheriff's Office, Bureau of Reclamation, Shasta Lake Fire Department, Shasta Trinity National Forest, Western Shasta County Resource Conservation District, Redding Dirt Riders M/C, Shasta Rock Rollers ATV Club, Black Sheep 4x4 Club ANNUAL BUDGET $350,000-$430,000, depending on level of acquisition and development activity REVENUE SOURCES Primarily State OHV grants LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Four major events annually bring 300-800 participants plus spectators to the area. These events plus daily year-round use generate approximately $1,250,000 in the communities surrounding the OHV area. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Provide outstanding, sustainable resource-based OHV recreation opportunities. Focus regional OHV recreation into the managed setting of the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area. Balance uses and direct OHV recreation to appropriate sites. Facilitate educational opportunities and training for public and land managers. Continue efforts to consolidate land ownership through exchange, purchase and cooperative agreements. Maintain partnerships and seek increased involvement. Share the success story of the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area. For more information visit: www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/redding.html OHV enthusiast riding on Trail #30 within the Chappie-Shasta OHV Area. Photo: Sky Zaffarano C H A P P I E - S H A S TA O H V A R E A “With the partnerships creating new visions and opportunities, there is s u r e t o b e a b r i g h t f u t u r e f o r t h e C h a p p i e -S h a s t a O H V A r e a . ” – S k y Z a f f a r a n o , O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n n e r, B L M R e d d i n g LOCATION Central California SIZE 1,353 square miles, nearly 97% of which is designated and managed as wilderness, over 800 miles of trails, 14 campgrounds for general public use, 4 group campgrounds, and 14,494-foot Mount Whitney – the highest point in the contiguous United States! RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, horseback-riding, pack stock trips, camping, fishing, taking scenic drives, attending ranger-led programs, wildlifewatching, and viewing the biggest giant sequoias in the world VISITS PER YEAR 1.6 million (average) MANAGER National Park Service (NPS) PARTNERS US Forest Service, US Geological Survey, Sequoia Natural History Association, Sequoia Parks Foundation, Delaware North Companies @ Sequoia National Park (concessioner), Kings Canyon Park Services (concessioner), City of Visalia (Sequoia Shuttle), Sister Parks in Cambodia and China, and more ANNUAL BUDGET $16,627,200 (fiscal year 2011) REVENUE SOURCES Entrance and camping fees are invested in improving facilities and protecting resources. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Park visitors use hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses in local towns. A recent NPS report estimated that visitors to both parks spent over $97 million and contributed 1,384 jobs to communities within 60 miles of the parks in 2010. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Adapting to changes in visitation. For example, some campsites have been revamped to provide designated areas for extended family groups, and park staff is reaching out to the “digital” generation through the use of social media and other technology. SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON N AT I O N A L PA R K S “Recreation assets are not only about what generates revenue. For us in the National Park Service, it is about the kind of EXPERIENCE you are providing to the public … Solitude? Natural quiet? Grandeur and vast vistas? Or, is it looking up at a huge tree and realizing you are just a small part of the universe?” - K a r e n F. Ta y l o r - G o o d r i c h , S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , S e q u o i a a n d K i n g s C a n y o n N a t i o n a l P a r k s Emphasis on youth. The NPS has a major focus on youth engagement, with on-site walks, campfires and snow play; Rangers in the Classroom education programs; outreach events, and a “stepby-step” program to show how recreation and conservation can become career tracks. Constant marketing. The parks use a diverse and continuous set of marketing strategies, including press conferences; social media; website; eHikes/podcasts; volunteer service opportunities; visitor centers; the park newspaper; attendance at local and regional community events; representation at travel, tourism, and trade shows; partnering with concessionaires, user associations, and the local community; and more. Economic planning. Park management convenes periodic strategic leadership retreats to assess priorities in spending and to plan for the next 5 years using “Budget Cost Projection” scenarios. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/seki Stairs to Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park. Photo: NPS / R. Cain LOCATION Gorman, California – about 65 miles north of Los Angeles SIZE Over 19,000 acres RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding (motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, 4x4s, etc.), camping, hiking, nature watching, photography, races, special events VISITS PER YEAR 158,333 in 2011 MANAGER California State Parks, Off-Highway Vehicle Division ANNUAL BUDGET Close to $4million per year REVENUE SOURCES Off-Highway Vehicle fuel tax, registration of off-highway vehicles, and park entrance fees LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Hungry Valley is one of the largest employers in the Frazier Mountain communities and generates tourism dollars for surrounding businesses. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Maintain a variety of training/practice tracks and an extensive trail system through multiple types of terrain with varying levels of difficulty. Provide sustainable recreation which allows for the restoration and protection of significant natural and cultural resources . Educate visitors about significant resources and responsible recreational use. For more information visit: http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1192 Riders at a trailhead in Hungry Valley. Photo: Brian Baer H U N G RY VA L L E Y STATE VEHICULAR RECREATION AREA “Hungry Valley illustrates how we can provide high quality OHV recreation while preserving s i g n i f ic a n t n a t u r a l a n d c u l t u r al r e s o u r c e s f o r f u t u r e g e n e r a t i o n s t o e n j o y . ” – M i c h e l l e H o f m a n n , I n t e r p r e t e r, C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e P a r k s LOCATION Wildwood Canyon State Park, in the mountains above the city of Yucaipa, in Southern California SIZE About 30 miles of trails on 900 acres RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding VISITORS About 800 visitors came for the mountain biking event. MANAGER California State Parks PARTNERS SoCal Dirt is a non-profit cycling organization dedicated to mountain biking opportunities for youth. Supporters of Wildwood Canyon State Park is a non-profit organization and is committed to the preservation of the park in its most scenic and natural state and to encourage the public's non-motorized recreational and educational use of the park and its trails. REVENUE SOURCES The event was fully funded by SoCal Dirt. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT On the weekend the event was held the local hotels and county campground were all full with the contestants and their families. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Seizing the opportunity. Wildwood canyon was slated for upscale housing development in the mid-1990s. But fires and flooding caused developers to pull out and instead a local community group campaigned to turn the canyon into a state park. Full park status has not yet been achieved due to limited funding. Partnering with local clubs to host events. In addition to the Wildwood High School Mountain Biking Competition, Wildwood Canyon has been used for horseback riding and other events. WILDWOOD CANYON COMPETITION “Teenagers are losing connection with natural, quiet, serene areas. This event reaches out to them – and this is important, because they will become voting members of the public.” – R o n K r u e p e r, D i s t r i c t S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , I n l a n d E m p i r e D i s t r i c t , C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e P a r k s Using events to draw potential new users and increase revenue. About 280 participants plus their families, friends and staff came, totaling about 800 people. It exposed families to a park they may not have known about – and these are people who might want to come back. Using the park to teach young people outdoor ethics. The event included a resource stewardship message directed at teenagers and kids to ride on the trails, not to litter, respect the park, and be courteous to other types of trail users. For more information visit: http://wildwoodcanyonstatepark.com/ or visit the park on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ WildwoodCanyonStatePark Alexis Marques digs deep on her way to the Freshman Girls victory. Photo: Phil Beckman / PB Creative LOCATION Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Reservation, Nevada SIZE The lake is 120,000 acres with 125 miles of shoreline RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES World class fly-fishing (Lahanton cutthroat trout), boating, camping, bicycling (on the Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway), and cultural tourism. A world record 41-pound trout was caught in the lake in 1925! The lake is also home to a very rare, endemic population of the bottom-dwelling Cui-ui (Kooyooe in Paiute) fish, which is culturally important to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on the reservation and is home to the largest breeding ground for the American White Pelican in North America. VISITS PER YEAR 150,000 in 2011 MANAGER Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe PARTNERS US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Scenic Byways Program, FEMA, BLM, BIA, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, NDOT, Washoe County, Nevada Commission on Tourism, Fernley Convention and Tourism Authority, Indian Territory, Greater Pershing Partnership, American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association, astronomy societies and Nevada Indian Territory ANNUAL BUDGET $382,000 was spent on recreation in 2011 REVENUE SOURCES Tribal permit fees ($781,000 in 2011), Tribal Enterprises, and taxes collected by the Tribe on the reservation LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Tourism and recreation is the major source of revenue for the over 2,600-member Tribe, supporting general services such as police and licensing. (The Tribe does not own a casino because the gaming market in Nevada is already saturated.) KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Developing a comprehensive economic development plan for a high quality recreation area that creates jobs and protects the Tribe’s natural and cultural resources. Protecting water quantity and quality through legal means to ensure water resources for the lake, Tribe and fishery. PYRAMID LAKE FISHING PYRAMID LAKE PAIUTE TRIBE “ T h e T r i b e ’s m a j o r r e v e n u e s o u r c e i s f r o m f i s h i n g p e r m i t s … b u t i t h a s n ’ t f i g u r e d o u t a w a y t o c h a r g e t h e p e l i c an s f o r p e r m i t s ! ” - S c o t t C a r e y, Tr i b a l P l a n n e r, P y r a m i d L a k e P a i u t e Tr i b e Sharing the unique culture of the Tribe with visitors, especially international tourists who have a particular interest in Native American culture – in part to protect and expand cultural traditions and language at the Tribe itself. Marketing the low-cost, close-to-home recreation and cultural opportunities at Pyramid Lake through all forms of media, and by partnering with other tourism organizations. Hosting major special events to attract visitors, such as a 6-day festival planned around the solar eclipse on May 20, 2012. For more information visit: www.pyramidlake.us LOCATION Central rural Utah (Beaver, Sevier, Piute, and Millard Counties) SIZE 238 miles of main trail and 640 miles of side trails with connecting links to 16 communities in 4 counties; the trail links with 5 other trail systems to provide the largest (2500+ miles) inter-connected motorized trail system in the US! RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Multi-use trail riding opportunities for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorcycles and 4-wheel drive vehicles; access for hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor recreation activities; equestrian, hiking, and mountain biking use are also welcome along the trail VISITS PER YEAR 78,000 riders from all 50 states and many foreign countries. A third of these riders are local, a third from other parts of Utah, and a third from other states and beyond. MANAGERS Fishlake National Forest, Richfield District of Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Utah State Parks and Recreation PARTNERS The Paiute ATV Trail Committee assists the US Forest Service and BLM with management and maintenance of the trail and consists of 50 active partners including: Utah State Parks and Recreation, county tourism and economic development offices, 4 counties, 16 rural communities, public safety agencies, OHV clubs and groups, several businesses and the Fishlake Discovery Association. ANNUAL BUDGET The US Forest Service and BLM contribute $60,000 per year towards trail maintenance, plus $120,000 in additional funding as outlined below REVENUE SOURCES A federal RTP grant, Utah Parks and Recreation, Paiute ATV Trail Committee, donations from the Southern Utah OHV Club, and 2,000 hours of volunteer labor LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT An estimated $5,000,000 in direct contributions and $20,000,000 in indirect contributions to the economies of the participating rural central Utah communities PA I U T E AT V T R A I L “We envision the Paiute ATV Trail as the best managed and safest family and touring ATV riding opportunity in the country. B e c a u s e t h i s c h a l l e n g e i s t o o g r e a t t o b e a c c o m p l i sh e d w i t h a s i n g l e entity, we have joined together in a powerful, inclusive, working partnership that meets the needs of all our visitors yet leaves the land a better place for our children.” - E d P o n d s , C h a i r m a n , P a i u t e AT V Tr a i l C o m m i t t e e KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES The vision was to utilize the natural assets of the area to provide a worldclass motorized trail system that would become a tourism destination to attract visitors from across the US and beyond. Develop and maintain a sustainable trail system that protects natural resources and provides a high quality recreation experience. From the beginning, involve all stakeholders in the planning and operation of the trail system, as represented by the Paiute ATV Trail Committee. Institute a marketing program that promotes the identity of the trail. Encourage and nurture volunteer participation and involvement. Promote safety in all aspects of the trail system via marketing, management and use. Provide a safe and fun riding experience for all who come. For more information visit: atvutah.com and atvjam.com Dan Kleen, President of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), enjoys a ride on the Paiute ATV Trail. Photo: Max C. Reid , Paiute ATV Trail Committee LOCATION Goblin Valley in Eastern Utah. Each of 2 yurts sleeps 5 with a double bed and futon, and most with solar power and a gas fireplace. There are yurts or cabins in 8 of Utah’s parks. SIZE The park is just over 3000 acres and is surrounded by BLM managed public lands ranging from wilderness areas to OHV trails and roads. RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Hiking inside the park and off-road vehicle use adjacent to the park VISITS PER YEAR 61,435 for the park; 1200 additional visitors are projected for the yurts (400 nights per year with an average 3 people per night) MANAGER Utah State Parks PARTNERS Emery County Tourism markets the yurts ANNUAL BUDGET $2,000 projected in propane and cleaning supply costs, and approximately 1/2 hour cleanings between reservations. No staff were added to the park. REVENUE SOURCES $65 per night for a yurt. “If you put a cabin or yurt on a camping space you make more money on the same space.” LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Still waiting to see the return on investment. Yurts were completed this December and are nearly at 100% occupancy rate this first Spring. Summer use will determine overall return, with projections to hit or exceed 200 nights per yurt annually. G O B L I N VA L L E Y Y U RT S “Reviews from patrons are off the charts!” – T i m S m i t h , D e p u t y D i r e c t o r, U t a h S t a t e P a r k s KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Paying attention to trends. With rising gas prices, the manager predicts fewer people will pull RVs and that in the future the average camper will come in an economy vehicle and want a cabin with wireless more than an electrical hookup for an RV. Plus, Colorado and Oregon have been very successful with their cabins. Helping to change assumptions. Convincing park staff that cleaning a cabin is not too different from cleaning a campsite and that they are not going to have to become hotel maids! For more information visit: stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley LOCATION Monticello, in the southeast corner of Utah SIZE 1.8 million acres of dispersed recreation opportunities; the longest trail is about 40 miles RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Rock climbing, off-highway vehicle use, camping, hiking, backpacking, whitewater boating, archaeological tourism, wildlife observation, and hunting VISITS PER YEAR Estimated at 200,000 to 500,000 per year MANAGER Bureau of Land Management PARTNERS Friends of Indian Creek, National Park Service, Utah State Parks, Rocky Mountain Field Institute, The Nature Conservancy, Utah State University, Canyonlands Natural History Association, American Alpine Club, The Access Fund, and San Juan County REVENUE SOURCES Federal, grants, National Public Lands Day projects, Utah State Parks OHV Program, recreation fees (some areas), Friends of Indian Creek donations and volunteer hours (~600 hours during one day in 2011, and increasing). In 2011, the BLM Monticello Field Office had a total of 9,350 volunteer hours and spent $10,626 supporting the volunteers. The office received a value of work of well over $199,000 in return. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Food, supplies, gas, lodging KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Coordinate with Friends of Indian Creek, a non-profit group with members from Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, to resolve increasing impacts to the area. BLM MONTICELLO VOLUNTEERS “Four years ago only about four people showed up for National Public Lands Day. Last year, just at Indian Creek we had 97 volunteers. I don’t know what I’m going to do next year if I get 150 volunteers because I don’t know if I can handle that many! Volunteer projects are so much fun because people are having a BLAST – and also working really hard.” – B o b L e a v e r, O u t d o o r R e c r e a t i o n P l a n n e r, B L M M o n t i c e l l o F i e l d O f f i c e Good organization: Plan for one volunteer day several months in advance with phone calls, notes, site visits, and supply collection. Keep volunteers actively involved for the duration of their volunteer service. Provide food: One volunteer group brought sushi over the years. This year the another volunteer group tried to “out-sushi” the first group! BLM staff work right next to and just as hard as the volunteers. It shows you are committed to making the project a success. Highlight success stories: Friends of Indian Creek recently received the BLM Utah State Director’s Public Lands Award! For more information visit: www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/monticello.html Volunteers come in all sizes. Photo: Monticello Field Office LOCATION The Maroon Bells, combined with Pyramid Peak, are three 14,000foot peaks about 10 miles southwest of Aspen, Colorado. They are believed to be the most photographed peaks in North America! SIZE 1.5 miles around the lake, with 181,000 acres and 100 miles of trails beyond in the Maroon Bells wilderness RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Picnicking, camping, hiking, backpacking, road biking, interpretive center and walks, viewing scenery and wildlife VISITS PER YEAR Over 300,000 MANAGER US Forest Service – White River National Forest PARTNERS Pitkin County, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), Forest Conservancy, Wilderness Workshop, Colorado 14’ers Initiative, Aspen Skiing Company and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) ANNUAL BUDGET $175,000 (US Forest Service portion only) REVENUE SOURCES Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) fee collections, bus fares, US Forest Service appropriated funds, map and other small item sales, numerous in-kind and volunteer contributions from partners LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Serves as an internationally known attraction, bringing visitors to the Aspen area. Enables RFTA to keep quality employees during slow seasons and reduce taxpayer burden by covering some of RFTA’s fixed costs. Grants due to service have allowed for the purchase of several busses for RFTA. REA fee collections cover much of the site’s staff and maintenance expenses. Directly provides jobs for local employees of RFTA, the Forest Service, Aspen Skiing Company, ACES and several outfitter/guides in what is normally a slower time in this area. MAROON BELLS “The traditional cultural norm is that you pay for national parks, but national forests are free. But what you get to do on THIS national forest is stunning! … The consequences are that the assets may not be a v a i l a bl e i f t h e f e e s a r e n o t p a i d . ” – S c o t t F i t z w i l l i a m s , S u p e r v i s o r, W h i t e R i v e r N a t i o n a l F o r e s t KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Thirty years ago this area was overwhelmed by visitors. Parking lots were overflowing, resource damage was everywhere and user conflicts were frequent. Working with the County and the community, the US Forest Service made a new plan for the area that involved requiring visitors to access the area by a bus during peak season. The US Forest Service began a change in the facilities and partnered with a local bus company to provide interpretive bus tours and service for a small fee from Aspen up to Maroon Lake. This helped reduce the ecological damage and conflicts and increased the quality of the visitor experience. By the early 1990s use continued to climb and overwhelmed the old facilities and Forest Service staff. Again, working with several partners, the facilities were upgraded to handle the increasing crowds for several years into the future. A user fee system was implemented under the Recreation Enhancement Act to provide sustainable quality services for the visitors, even in a time of declining federal budgets. Local communities can now promote the area as a great experience. For more information visit: www.stayaspensnowmass.com/activities/visit-maroon-bells Photo: US Forest Service LOCATION The tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America. Within a generation the vast majority was developed and plowed under. Today less than 4% remains, mostly in the Kansas Flint Hills. SIZE 10,894 acres RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES 41 miles of hiking trails, night sky viewing, catch and release fishing, birding, guided nature tours and historic 1880’s ranch tours; nearby horseback riding and camping opportunities abound VISITS PER YEAR 22,000 – 25,000 MANAGERS National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy PARTNERS US Fish and Wildlife Service, Heartland Network, Kansas State University, University of Kansas Research, Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Department of Commerce ANNUAL BUDGET $978,000 REVENUE SOURCES Public donations through The Nature Conservancy, National Park Foundation or directly to the preserve LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT $1,048,000. The preserve attracts local, national and international visitors to the region, creating revenue for retail, hospitality and related businesses. Additionally, management partners work hard to "buy local" whenever possible. TA L L G R A S S P R A I R I E N AT I O N A L P R E S E RV E “Mountains may take your breath away, but the prairie gives it back.” - D r. J i m H o y, D i r e c t o r, C e n t e r f o r G r e a t P l a i n s S t u d i e s KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Conservation. Re-introducing native species such as American bison which had previously disappeared from the region. Preservation. Ensuring a diversity of species. Education. Helping people understand the international significance of the tallgrass prairie to the world’s ecosystem through constant outreach. For more information visit: www.nps.gov/tapr The last stand of the Tallgrass Prairie. Photo: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism LOCATION Table Mesa, north of Phoenix, Arizona SIZE 12,000 acres of BLM, private and State Trust land; 85 miles of roads and trails designated as a stacked loop trail system RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Target shooting, off-highway vehicle use, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding; includes a 15 mile segment of the Black Canyon National Recreation Trail VISITS PER YEAR 30,000-50,000 visitor use days MANAGER Bureau of Land Management (BLM) A typical target hanging from a tree with no backstop Table Mesa Recreation Area PARTNERS Arizona Game and Fish Department, user and interest groups, Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, Black Canyon Trail Coalition, Arizona Virtual Jeep Club, Tri Star Recycling, LetzRoll Off Road Racing, Absolute Off Road, 4Wheelers, Daystar Products, and others ANNUAL BUDGET $25,000 (BLM Challenge Cost Share grant) and $100,000 from state OHV grants REVENUE SOURCES Special Recreation Permits, minerals contracts, grazing fees LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Contributes to $1.4 billion in net economic impact to Maricopa County KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Planning for the area, beginning with an environmental assessment and analysis. Using good, honest public involvement and not just lip service, involving all the user and interest groups. Engaging volunteers to clean up and maintain the area. In the March 2012 cleanup, 200 volunteers collected 160 cubic yards of shooting debris. Many volunteers came from the off-highway vehicle and shooting communities. This cleanup occurs twice yearly. Agua Fria River, a desert river at the heart of Table Mesa TA B L E M E S A Volunteers cleaning up at Table Mesa Designating some areas no-shooting areas and designating motorized routes for specific uses like Rock Crawling Jeeps and a single-track non-motorized route. For more information visit: www.blm.gov/az/st/en/info/nepa/environmental_library/rec_ mgmt_plans/table-mesa-docs.html “ T h i s w a s g r o u n d z e r o i n t e r m s o f r e s o u r c e d a m a g e a n d i n a p p r o p r i a t e r e c r e a t i o n al b e h a v i o r . P e o p l e w e r e s h o o t i n g f u l l y a u t o m a t i c w e a p o n s – w h i c h i s i l l e g al w i t h o u t a n o w n e r ’ s p e r m i t ! – a n d u s i n g them to mow down saguaros and trees … Our strategy was deep, honest public involvement and m a k i n g s u r e t h e u s e r g r o u p s w e r e i n v o l v e d i n s o l u t i o n s . T h i n g s h a v e t u r n e d a r o u n d v e r y n o t i c e ab l y. ” – R e m H a w e s , M a n a g e r, B L M H a s s a y a m p a F i e l d O f f i c e LOCATION The southern San Juan Mountains of Colorado and northern New Mexico SIZE A private land block of approximately 200,000 acres plus the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Southern Ute Tribe, totaling over 1.1 million acres. Elevation ranges from 7-12,000 feet at the Continental Divide. It is one of the biggest private landowner alliances and elk projects in the country! RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Elk and other big game hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, plant and mushroom collecting, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country and alpine skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, rafting, horseback riding , golfing, hot springs and spas, Native American and Spanish cultural tourism and cuisine, ecotourism and agritourism, and the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad VISITS PER YEAR Varies from hundreds to thousands depending on the ranch and area MANAGERS/PARTNERS About 20 private landowners plus the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Western Regional Partnership, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Taos, New Mexico Tourism Council, Alamosa, Colorado Economic Development Authority, Colorado Outfitters Association ANNUAL BUDGET Private investment in recreation is estimated to be in the millions of dollars. REVENUE SOURCES The major source of landowners’ direct revenue related to recreation is from game hunting permits, wildlife viewing, and associated tourism. LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Wildlife creates jobs and brings money into local and state economies through retail, lodging, dining, and sales taxes related to wildlife-watching, hunting and fishing. Wildlife-based recreation contributes an estimated $3 billion and 40,000 jobs to the economies of Colorado and New Mexico. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES In the late 1990s multi-generational landowners and Native American tribes in the Chama Peak area recognized the need to organize and communicate with each other in order to collectively plan for the future of their shared natural heritage. Organization of the alliance is still in progress. Major issues the group hopes to collectively address are: • Sustaining the local migrational elk populations that produce important revenue for local communities through hunting permits and ecotourism • Supporting WGA’s Wildlife Corridors and Get Out West! initiatives • Sustaining timber resources and addressing bark beetles and fire • Maintaining healthy watersheds and addressing the effects of droughts • Preventing land subdivisions and habitat fragmentation • Ensuring oil and gas development is ecologically appropriate • Ensuring wildlife management is credited in the tax system • Making ecotourism and agritourism economic priorities for the region • Developing a wildlife education program for the Scenic Railroad CHAMA PEAK LANDOWNER ALLIANCE Strategies include working with non-profit organizations, agricultural groups, community leaders, and political representatives; encouraging government agencies to communicate and collaborate with landowners; leveraging resources for education, research, and resource management; and attending WGA meetings! “Who will sustain the habitat and the range for coming generations?” For more information visit: http://chamapeak.org - D r. M i k e R i v e r a , A B V R a n c h a n d C o - F o u n d e r, C h a m a P e a k L a n d o w n e r A l l i a n c e Photos: Dr. Mike Rivera / miker87571@gmail.com LOCATION Northwest Oklahoma SIZE 1,600 acres RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES 4x4, ATV, and motorcycle dune riding, camping VISITS PER YEAR 325,000 MANAGER Oklahoma State Parks PARTNERS Oklahoma State Parks owns the majority of the land and the balance is owned by the Commissioners of the Land Office ANNUAL BUDGET $600,000 REVENUE SOURCES $850,000 generated by visitor passes, concessions, camping fees LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Estimated to exceed $7,000,000 per year KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Little Sahara is one of five Oklahoma state parks that generate revenue that is greater than its operating expenses through use fees and concessions. Little Sahara offers a unique, sustainable experience for families in an area where OHV opportunities are limited and demand for facilities exceeds availability. The City of Waynoka has over ten businesses that exist to service the visitors to Little Sahara. They include ATV tour and rental, tire shops, and private campgrounds. The local government established a connecting corridor from Little Sahara to the City of Waynoka that allows unlicensed OHV riders to access the dunes from town and to allow dune riders access to the services offered by the town. For more information visit: www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4581 LITTLE SAHARA “We recognize that Little Sahara State Park is one of our most unique facilities and that it has a major impact on the economy of Waynoka, Oklahoma. We also realize that OHV opportunities are limited in our area a n d h o w i m p o r t an t L i t t l e S a h a r a i s t o t h o s e w h o e n j o y i t . ” - To m C r e i d e r, P r o g r a m s M a n a g e r, O k l a h o m a S t a t e P a r k s Get your adrenaline flowing at Little Sahara State Park near Waynoka. Bring your own ATV and ride the dunes. Photo: Keli Clark LOCATION Located in 23 Alaska state parks in a wide variety of environments, from coastal rainforests to freshwater lakes and rivers. Range in size from 10’ x 12’ to 20’ x 24’ and accommodate between 4 and 9 people. Cabins are equipped with a stove, bunk, table, bench, chairs but no running water or electricity. Some cabins are accessible by highway but to get to most you’ll have to hike, bike or ski or arrange a ride on a boat, snowmobile, dogsled or floatplane. Most of the cabins can be accessed yearround, but some are restricted to seasonal use. Book yours well in advance – they fill up fast! SIZE 60 cabins in 23 state parks RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Hiking, boating, ice fishing, fishing, skiing, dog mushing, skijoring, snowmobiling, ATV riding and mountain biking VISITS PER YEAR Cabins are used for a total of about 8,000 nights per year MANAGER Alaska State Parks PARTNERS Territorial Sportsman’s Association, Friends of Eagle River Nature Center, National Park Service-Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, Twin Bears Camp Association, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Mountaineering Club of Alaska, ECI/Hyer ANNUAL BUDGET Cabin fees total about $360,000 per year and account for about 15% of the total revenue generated by park fees REVENUE SOURCES $35 - $75 cabin fees; state general fund LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Suppliers (in some cases air taxis, charter boats), food, equipment (for hiking, mountain biking, ATVs, etc.) KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Providing a safe, dry, dependable place to experience the wilderness. The cabins are built with a combination of paid and volunteer labor and skills. A L A S K A’ S P U B L I C U S E C A B I N S “ A s t a y i n a p u b l i c u s e c a b i n i s t h e q u i n t e s s e n t i al A l a s k a n e x p e r i e n c e . Public use cabins provide shelter from the elements as well as a safety net for wilderness travelers since the cabins are never locked” – B e n E l l i s , D i r e c t o r, a n d C l a i r e L e C l a i r, D e p u t y D i r e c t o r, A l a s k a S t a t e P a r k s The cabins are the responsibility of the area superintendent. An online registration system makes booking a cabin easy. The system opens for Alaskans seven months in advance and six months in advance for all other visitors. For more information visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/index.htm Brooks Ludwig, Alaska State Parks Northern Area Superintendent, left, enjoys coffee with an unidentified PUC user in the Chena River State Recreation Area, just outside of Fairbanks. Photo: Alaska State Parks LOCATION Le’ahi, the traditional Hawaiian name for Diamond Head State Monument, is located on O’ahu, the third largest and most populated of the Hawaiian Islands SIZE 493 acres; the historic summit trail is 1.8 miles round-trip RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES The trail to the summit of Le’ahi was built in 1908 as part of O’ahu’s coastal defense system. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head, with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. A new .2-mile trails offers an alternate route to avoid congestion near the summit. The stunning view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai’anae may include passing humpback whales during the winter! VISITS PER YEAR Last official count was 635,000; currently 3000 per day MANAGERS Hawai’i State Parks Division PARTNERS This was a State Capital Improvement Project. ANNUAL BUDGET Approximately $400,000 per year, depending on revenue from park entry fees REVENUE SOURCES Individual and commercial entry fees LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Diamond Head is one of the most heavily visited attractions in Hawai’i and is therefore a key component of Hawai’i’s visitor industry. KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES The loop trail, summit lookout improvements and additional lookout points were created to alleviate visitor congestion, create a natural circulation pattern, and provide alternate lookout sites. Significant erosion resulting from visitor traffic patterns was also addressed to increase visitor safety. Hikers approach the summit of Diamond Head Crater via the new loop trail. Photo: Hawai’i State Parks Division LE’AHI OR DIAMOND HEAD “ D i a m o n d H e a d i s a n i c o n i c n a t u r a l a n d c u l t u r al l a n d m a r k t h a t i s r e c o g n i z e d t h e w o r l d o v e r . T h i s project required sensitivity in the design of the route so as not to mar the profile of what is one of the most photographed mountain profiles on Earth, and also one of the most sought after visitor destinations in Hawai’i.” - D a n Q u i n n , A d m i n i s t r a t o r, D i v i s i o n o f S t a t e P a r k s LOCATION Southern Alberta, Canada SIZE 2,564 square miles of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers. Canada’s first national park, and the world’s third! RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES Hiking, camping, biking, climbing, horseback riding, boating, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, etc. VISITS PER YEAR 3 million MANAGER Parks Canada PARTNERS Tourism industry, environmental groups, park community ANNUAL BUDGET $18 million REVENUE SOURCES Entry fees, camping and activity fees, rentals, events LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Banff National Park is a world renown Canadian Rocky Mountain Park which continues to attract visitors from near and far (regional, national and international markets), and makes a significant contribution to provincial and national tourism economies. Expenditures made by Parks Canada on operations, and visitors on their trips at Alberta national parks contributes an estimated $1.5 billion to the Canadian economy and supports close to 19,000 full-time jobs. A significant portion of that can be attributed specifically to Banff National Park. B A N F F N AT I O N A L PA R K “ Wh en p e ople v i si t t h e se g re en sp a ces, t h e y fa l l i n l o v e w i t h t h e m a n d fe e l a c o n necti on w hi c h ma ke s the m w a n t to p re serve n a ti o nal p a rks i n to the fu tu re." - E d J a g e r, D i r e c t o r o f V i s i t o r E x p e r i e n c e , P a r k s C a n a d a KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES Drawing more visitors with events by collaborating with the local town to host events such as the Dragon Boat Festival, a bike festival and concerts. Providing an alternative mode of transportation between the outside community and the park in the form of a 20km paved trail. Partnering with a local mountain bike association that is now responsible for some of the trails in the park. For more information visit: www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index.aspx Photo: Parks Canada LOCATION Tumon Bay, Guam RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES This popular hot spot, ranked second by Trip Advisor as “The Best 20 Beaches in Japan & Overseas,” hosts barbeques, concerts, sports events and activities, but more importantly, attracts visitors and locals alike eager to relax and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. In addition to the park, the Tumon Bay Marine preserve is a popular attraction for kayakers, snorkelers and shore fishing. The abundance of sea life such as the coral reef habitats, aquatic animals and plants offer a great underwater escape with stunning underwater visibility. VISITS PER YEAR Estimated over 100,000 MANAGER Guam Department of Parks and Recreation PARTNERS The Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam Coastal Management Program, Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Division of Aquatics and Wildlife Resources, Department of Agriculture, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, and the Office of the Governor REVENUE SOURCES Government of Guam General Fund and Tourism Attraction Fund LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT Priceless – brings tourists and the local community together KEY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES In May 1997 Public Law 24-21 was implemented, creating five marine preserves on Guam: Pati Point, Tumon Bay, the Piti Bomb Holes, Sasa Bay and the Achang Reef Flat preserve. With the help of sponsors and local partners, the marine preserves are kept clean through international coastal cleanup events that include local enforcement of illegal fishing and other illegal activities, such as the operation of motorized watercrafts in designated marine preserves areas. Seasonal fishing is allowed but restricted to the use of hook and line or cast net fishing from the shore. Within Tumon Bay preserve, fishermen are allowed to catch only rabbitfish, juvenile goat fish, juvenile jacks and convict tangs from shore. For more information visit: www.visitguam.org GOVERNOR JOSEPH F L O R E S M E M O R I A L PA R K A local guide takes a visitor from Japan kayaking in Tumon Bay off of Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park. Inset: Thousands of people come to Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park for the annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair. Photos: Guam Visitors Bureau “Governor Joseph Memorial Park was once home to an ancient Village of the Chamorro people, the native inhabitants of Guam. Today it is ranked as one of the top 10 international beaches by Japanese visitors and is a center for community and tourism activities.” - J o a n n G . C a m a c h o , G e n e r a l M a n a g e r, G u a m V i s i t o r s B u r e a u