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<\/a><\/p>\nSurprisingly the sentiments in each town towards coastal tourism were shockingly similar.\u00a0 They all understood that changes would need to be made, and were more than willing to do what it takes to improve the South Coast!\u00a0 But as eager as each city was, they were also cognizant of the possible push back from some community members towards an increase in tourism.\u00a0 Since I\u2019m here specifically to increase tourism, I was baffled as to why anyone wouldn\u2019t be for it, especially if it meant their town would be more prosperous.\u00a0 After discussing the problem at length I believe that I have a better understanding of where the locals are coming from.\u00a0 One of their worries is that by better advertising the town\u2019s \u201csecret and local gems\u201d (things such as the best swimming hole, or a really great campsite) the number of visitors will increase and they will lose ownership of their local treasure.\u00a0 The second common concern I heard voiced was that people don\u2019t want to add traditional tourist attractions that would change the character of their town (things such as a boardwalk with games and rides, or souvenir shops.)\u00a0 Furthermore there are those who think their town is fine the way it is, and they don\u2019t think tourism is useful.\u00a0 The difficult question remains: how do you create more opportunities for tourism without changing the town?\u00a0 Presently the main problem is that droves of people pass through these four towns on their way up or down the 101.\u00a0 They will probably stop to get gas, use the restroom, buy a snack, and maybe even walk around for a while; but how do you get them to stay?\u00a0 Like an onion this question has many layers and on a couple occasions has made my eyes water in my attempt to find an answer to this big picture problem!<\/p>\n
After determining that increasing ecotourism (something that the community members were interested in and something I feel is very tangible) would probably be the best way to increase coastal tourism, I was naturally faced with another slew of questions and drawbacks that were seriously messing up my plans!\u00a0 Sadly that is the reality behind this whole project.\u00a0 It is one thing to come up with ideas, research them, and find support, but it is another thing entirely to actually make it happen.\u00a0 For example: I\u2019ve heard that the coast of Oregon has some of the best kayaking around, however, in my research I found that there is only one place that will take you out on trips and nowhere on the South Coast can you rent a sea kayak!\u00a0 Naturally my first thought was simply \u201cWell, let\u2019s put kayak rental stands out by the beach!\u201d\u00a0 Problem solved.\u00a0 Case closed.\u00a0 Sadly this was easier said than done as I realized that the reason why no one rents sea kayaks is that the insurance is too high and because of the coast\u2019s characteristic howling winds, much too dangerous for many to take kayaks out on their own.\u00a0 I ran into similar problems as I investigated similar ecotourism rental opportunities such as SCUBA, surfing, and snorkel gear rentals.\u00a0 The end product of this has been that I simply have no idea what to do, and after being highly annoyed with this fact for a number of weeks, I\u2019m becoming more accepting of it.<\/p>\n The reality is that I am only on the South Coast for ten weeks, which is not nearly enough time to even scratch the surface of the tourism issue.\u00a0 So in my remaining weeks here my projects and goals (or as I like to call them, recommendations to the future me) are thus: 1). Look into the pros and cons of ecotourism as well as new activities to promote, 2). Work to develop \u201cQuest\u201d projects in the area (free-choice learning adventures that use clues and hints to encourage participants to discover the natural, cultural, and historical treasures of each place and its community.), 3). Look into the development and implementation of marine and terrestrial education programs that increase the understanding of issues and resources that are pertinent to each community, and 4). Finish my ecological \u201csummit to seastacks\u201d summary for the area that will be covered by the upcoming scenic bike pathway in Port Orford.<\/p>\n This past weekend I was visited by a couple of my friends from UC Santa Cruz!\u00a0 With all the hiking, exploring, s’more eating, and wine tasting, it was truly a wonderful weekend on the South Coast!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There are few things in this life more enjoyable than driving down Highway 101, taking in the stunning coastal views, and sipping on a delicious coffee!\u00a0 Last week I had the chance to get out of the office for a … Continue reading ![\"P7270150\"](\"http:\/\/farm8.staticflickr.com\/7392\/9455832578_2d985ebfb6.jpg\")
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