Sierra Nevada Geotourism

A partnership with National Geographic Society and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to capture the history, heritage, and attractions distinctive to the Sierra Nevada Region in an interactive Web site, www.SierraNevadaGeotourism.org, and print map.

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Nomination guidelines - Updated May 2010

Click Geotourism Resources on the left bar for additional Geotourism Documents. Click on the map to the right for the project boundaries.

Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents. Geotourism helps travelers to tread lightly and enjoy a locale’s sense of place.

Sierra residents and visitors, community organizations, tourism stakeholders and local businesses nominated the attractions on the print MapGuide and interactive Web site. Unlike any other mapping project, a favorite local restaurant, farm, winery, hiking or biking trail, swimming hole, museum or artist gallery are samples of the type of nominations National Geographic and its project partners are seeking. The Web site will target a variety of growing travel niches — adventure and nature tourism, cultural heritage travel and agritourism – and allow for residents to select the one-of-a-kind places integral to a distinctive character of place.

Using these nominations, National Geographic will produce a Geotourism website and print MapGuide to promote travel that celebrates and sustains what is most distinctive about the Sierra Nevada —its scenic landscapes and vibrant local communities; rich biological and cultural diversity, and captivating history.

History buffs and adventurers, backpackers and foodies, birders and sightseers will then be able to discover unique destinations based on recommendations from those who know best — residents of the Sierra Nevada.

A Geocouncil was formed to oversee the Sierra Nevada Geotourism Project. The Geocouncil is comprised of  members that reflect the diversity of the Sierra Nevada (i.e. geographic, industry/interest, and demographic diversity). Working with the National Geographic Society, the Geocouncil: encourages community participation in the collection of site nominations, reviews and edits nominations, develops a marketing plan for the site, oversees distribution, and contributes fresh material to the Web site. The Geocouncil also encourages long-term stewardship of the Sierra’s natural, historic and cultural assets.

Project Objectives
The Sierra Nevada Geotourism project seeks to promote tourism for the 21st century, tourism that can conserve the region’s historic towns and heritage sites, restore and protect the landscape, and sustain local businesses and communities.

Attractions, businesses, and events distinctive to the Sierra Nevada will be recognized, providing travelers with a richer and more complete experience spread throughout the Sierra Nevada.  Hence, this project seeks to celebrate the Sierra Nevada as a world-class destination, while contributing to the economic health of the region by promoting sustainable tourism 

The formation of the Geocouncil and the process of the project encourages and builds mutually beneficial partnerships. Additionally, the Geocouncil will encourage long-term stewardship of the Sierra’s natural, historic and cultural assets.

Project Process

• Outreach to explain the project, gain support and partners, and identify Geocouncil members
• Formation of the Geocouncil, the geocouncil will continue to evolve as the project progresses
• Launch of the nomination period in each region
• Nominations collected during the nomination period in each region
• Edit and review nominations, identify themes for the project
• Web based interactive map completed (anticipated Jan 2010 for phase 1 region)
• Print maps completed and distributed

For more information email Program Director Nicole DeJonghe or call 530.582.4800 ext. 25.

Photos courtesy of Charlie Phillips and Josh Feinberg.