Tuesday, 24 August 2010 06:37

Local Sierra Nevada Geotourism Nominaiton Period Closes Aug. 31

slide4-local_sierra_nevada_geotourism_nominaiton_period_closes_aug._31.pngAmador County – The process of creating a Sierra Nevada Geotourism MapGuide in the central Sierra Nevada is close to over, and those involved in the project are urging residents to submit their nominations in the remaining open categories. Martini Morris, an Americorp member and Sierra Business Council representative, said approximately 15 areas have already been nominated in Amador County. Due to the large amount of local interest, she said the nomination period has been extended until August 31st to coincide with the close of the active nomination period for the Tahoe Emigrant Corridor. The nomination period for Amador County was supposed to close in October 2009. Nomination periods for the Northern Sierra and Southern Sierra regions are set to close on January 2011 and June 2011, respectively. Morris said regional areas are based on Sierra Nevada Conservancy boundaries. Maureen Funk, Executive Director of the Amador Council of Tourism, said in a release that “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.” The term was coined by National Geographic. Nominations can include events, local businesses, service opportunities, historical and cultural sites, local artists, natural attractions and outdoor adventures. She said nominations should include places that share these qualities. She said it is important to “keep in mind that Geotourism helps travelers to tread lightly and enjoy a locale’s sense of place.” The MapGuide can be viewed at www.sierranevadageotourism.org/map.php. To make a nomination go to: www.sierranevadageotourism.org/ . Once there, select the blue button that says, “Tahoe Emigrant Corridor -Nominate Now”. For more information, call 530-582-4800. The Sierra Nevada Geotourism MapGuide project is a partnership between National Geographic, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy and the Sierra Business Council. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.