Developing geotourism, as prescribed by a Federal MOU with 5 US Departments of the Interior)
Foundation events
9-2010 Stewardship Congress
Representatives from groups/agencies/organizations/businesses actively pursuing stewardship efforts in the Tahoe watershed met at the edge of the Lake to transform key projects into interactive visitor attractions that motivate acts of conservation. The Washoe opened with a ceremony, followed by inspiration from: David Hansen and Dr Charles Goldman, setting the stage for the 2011 Tahoe Expo.
11-2010 Regional Green-Networking event
Business leaders who embrace, seek and/or model sustainable practices came to the Embassy Suites to enjoy local food (generously provided by Nancy Dineen of Green Barn Farm, and tour Explore Tahoe Visitor Center and the Embassy Suites to better understand the geotourism strategies and energy savings realized by these local pioneers.
Sustainable Tahoe is actively in service to the ($80,000) PROSPERITY PLAN (p.57, 58, 59). A region-wide directive committed to by our 6 counties, 2 states, USFS, city, all Chambers and Visitors Authorities, colleges, federal, state , county and city political leaders.
2011 Tahoe Expo
A basin-wide showcase of geotourism assets hosted by local expert guides and connected by bus,boat and bike. Tahoe Expo provided guided access to the treasures of Tahoe. This increases a visitors understanding and experience of the region, giving them more reasons to stay longer, return sooner and migrate stories that motivate ongoing demand.
2012 Tahoe Expo
From South Lake to Pyramid Lake, this years Expo expanded the experience with “Adventure Track”s; 1,2, or 3 geotourism action attractions + alternative transportation + local sourced lunch. Increasing a visitors connection while reducing their carbon footprint.
Community Recognition
Sierra Business Council: Geotourism Contribution
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency: Spirit of the Lake Award
Tahoe Chamber: Blue Ribbon Honorable Mention
Building Fluency
Geotourism Spring 2013: geotourism curriculum for Sierra Nevada College/SNC
Nicole DeJonghe from Sierra Business Council is teaching the class as part of an Interdisciplinary Studies.
Spring 2012, SNC students designed 6 geotourism itineraries to demonstrate new economic possibilities for ‘shoulder season’ revenue. SNC Students presenting to Dominic Ascolino, Embassy Suites GM.
San Jose State University 12-2012: Professor Susan Ross, led 50 recreation and tourism students to spend 6 weeks researching (activities, support and logistics) for 2013 Adventure Tracks. Click here to see the winning Adventure Track submission by Abagail Senot and Emiline Enciso! These students efforts demonstrate their desire for a sustainable Tahoe!
Tahoe Watershed Stewardship Directory
To enable exposure of success models through a variety of collaboration tools. Please contact us if you would like to collaborate on this or already in process with a directory (to avoid redundancy).
GeoCenters
8 Worlds of Tahoe Centers that serve to welcome, orient and inspire visitors with geotourism itineraries, mobility without cars, while supporting a local economy. It can also be a center to provide docent training and green building demonstrations that promote local environmental development projects. Explore Tahoe, and Urban Trailhead is a geotourism model. (learn more)
Water Transit Scientific analysis of Tahoe’s ecosystem shows the devastating effect that vehicles have on the health of our air, forest, wildlife, and lake water. We have been working toward a demonstration of innovative water technology to be showcased at a future Tahoe Expo’s. 2012 TahoeWater Shuttle was a great start to help visitors easily get on the water!
A Willing Watershed
YOUR Actions are the key to keeping this water clean, community connected and currency flowing!
Please share your insights, actions and projects that demonstrate how our region can realize economic prosperity – with water clarity; from South Lake to Pyramid Lake (follow the water).