Encourage Responsible Visitation
Attendees of the North Coast Destination Management Studio identified encouraging responsible visitation as a priority for the destination. Project work has started with North Coast visitors pre- and during trips to encourage stewardship best practices, spread seasonality of visitation, and preserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the region while offering high quality experiences through the two projects listed below:
1. Trailhead and Beach Ambassador Program
This action team is developing a Trailhead and Beach Ambassador pilot program at four locations on the North Coast. Ambassadors will provide information on local activities, reduce congestion at popular locations by suggesting alternative trails or beaches in the vicinity, and communicate safety and stewardship.
In the summer of 2019, the pilot program launched in Ecola State Park, Cape Falcon, Rockaway Beach and Cape Kiwanda. These locations were chosen because of their high tourist visitation, natural resources impact risks, and current OPRD staff presence.
Volunteers are trained by OPRD staff and work with beach rangers to interact with visitors.
The official Trailhead and Beach Ambassador training will launch in the summer of 2020.
2. Stewardship Messaging Campaign
Using the Ready, Set, GOrge! model deployed in the Columbia River Gorge, and the Haystack Rock Awareness Program in Cannon Beach, the goal of this action team is to educate and inform residents and visitors about diverse stewardship practices such as: how to enjoy and interact with native wildlife and vegetation, how to recreate safely in fragile coastal ecosystems, responsible waste disposal, etc. The action team will work with a facilitator to develop new messaging techniques to reach a wider audience.
The campaign will leverage “Take Care Out There” responsible visitation message guidelines that were developed by the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Network. This will be the first community to customize its local message using the guidelines. Messaging is intended to launch in summer 2020. Messages will be included in future trailhead ambassador trainings hosted by OPRD.
This action team currently consists of representatives from the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, the North Coast Land Conservancy, Friends of Netarts Bay, Manzanita Visitors Center, Tillamook Coast Visitors Association, National Parks, Sea Breeze Court, City of Cannon Beach and the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. These key collaborators have been working together to protect our natural resources and enhance the visitor experience through a deeper understanding of their natural surroundings.