The Oregon Tourism Stewardship Award presented at the 2019 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Eugene, recognizes outstanding contributions of a tourism-related activity or attraction specifically focused on Oregon’s natural beauty or outdoor recreation, incorporating outstanding leadership, stewardship, philanthropic, and/or socially-responsible practices, as demonstrated by a strong commitment to decreasing the environmental impact of the travel and tourism industry.
The award was presented to Friends of The Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge Regional Tourism Alliance for the development of the Trailhead Ambassadors Program, a volunteer-based program that works to reduce trailhead and trail congestion, improves safety and security at the busiest trails, and promotes responsible hiker ethics such as “Leave No Trace” messaging.