North Santiam Chamber of Commerce is putting the region on the map. Data is being gathered from residents for MapGuide, a two-state informational map of the Central Cascades Region, being developed by the National Geographic Society, Travel Oregon and Washington State Tourism. Nominations for natural, recreational, historical and cultural sites are requested.
The type of spots for inclusion might be a cultural event, a heritage museum, nature trail or waterfall, a locally owned restaurant or a farm that offers tours – anything that sets the region apart through its people, experiences and attractions. Suggest a site by going to www.thecentralcascades.com for a nomination form. The deadline is March 29.
The goal is to have 150 stories associated with the locations from the region bounded by Mt. Rainier to the north and Crater Lake to the south and from Highway 97 west to Interstate 5. All nominations, even those not selected for the MapGuide, will be considered for Central Cascades Geotourism Web site at www.centralcascades.com.
According to a study by National Geographic Traveler magazine and Travel Industry Association of America, more than 55 million adults can be described as “geotourists,” traveling to enjoy the distinctive character of places and willing to help sustain and enhance those qualities for future visitors.
