On November 17th, we met in person for the first time in 3 years to reconnect and stretch beyond our silos to strengthen sustainable visitation in the region.

After the updates and celebrations, we split into Action Areas (outdoor rec, agritourim/culinary, car free, and culture – welcomability and visitor dispersion woven through) to brainstorm project ideas for the upcoming year. 

Here is the project ranking for 2023:

• Virtual Trails (12 Star/ 4 checks)
  • Videos of lesser used trails to disperse and experience recreational trails. Addresses accessibility, parents with smaller children, welcomability
• Welcomability Rating for Trails (9 Star/ 2 checks)
  • Survey at each trailhead (via QR code) to capture hikers’ experiences, sense of safety, as well as accessible experience. 

• Centralized Info For Gorge Transit (7 Stars/ 5 checks)
  • One-stop shop for transportation Information for all Gorge destinations.

• One Transit Entity/Body to Rule Them All (7 Stars/ 3 checks) 
  • One decision-making body for transportation throughout the Gorge.
• Gorge Restaurant Week (6 Stars/ 2 checks)

• Stronger Collaboration with Food Systems Networks Partners (5 Stars/ 6 checks)

• Hot Farmer & Baby Animal Calendar (3 Stars/ 9 checks)

• Food Trail Fams (3 Stars/ 4 checks)

• Gorge Museum Pass (3 Star/ 7 checks) 
  • Shared admission pass with revenue split
• Cultural Tourism Packages (1 Star/ 7 checks) 
  • Inclusive package of experiences:hotel, museum, food