Project introduced to put Estacada on the map

National Geographic seeks to highlight destination places

By Evan Jensen

The Estacada News, Mar 11, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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According to a 2002 study by National Geographic Traveler magazine and the U.S. Travel Association, more than 55 million adults in the United States could be described as "geotourists," who travel to enjoy the distinctive character of places and want them to stay appealing. These travelers control more than half the household income of all U.S. travelers.

“This project is designed to recognize all the cultural and natural assets we have in this region,” RDI representative Sara Worl said. “By doing this, I think it will help us realize how valuable these things are for ourselves, our economy and the visitors who want to come see things here. It’s also a way to preserve and protect these things for the future. The other side of this is that it can be another tool for economic development. The ideal tourist will get up in the morning and go rafting, check out a museum, eat at local restaurants, spend money and stay longer. Geotourists are willing to pay more for an authentic experience.”

Among the handful of people to attend last week’s presentation about the project, City Council Member and longtime Estacada resident Glen James said he plans to nominate PGE’s historic hydroelectric sites along the Clackamas River for the map. And he’s also working on a plan to bring back the historic Hotel Estacada to encourage tourism and provide additional lodging options for visitors.

“I certainly like the idea of this project in theory,” James said. “I always feel kind of bad that we don’t have places for tourists to stay when they come here. But I’m in full agreement that anything positive about Estacada will be good for our community.”

MAKE A NOMINATION

If you have a favorite place, event or historic site in Estacada you would like to nominate for the Central Cascades Geotourism Project, visit www.thecentralcascades.com, and make your nominations. Submissions will be accepted until March 29.

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