DESTINATION: THE PACIFIC, INC.
The following is a summary of projects undertaken by Destination: The Pacific (DTP) to meet its mission to create a national awareness of the cultural and historical significance of the Columbia River gateway to the Pacific Northwest by: Honoring our cultural heritage; promoting understanding and respect for our natural history; and enriching our lives by linking the legacy of the past with a vision for the future.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Create a National Heritage Area
Develop plan to leverage newest regional asset: the Lewis & Clark National and State Historical Parks
The following core programs are taking place to meet the above goals.
DEVELOPMENT OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY
REGIONAL MAPPING
The Columbia River Estuary Study Task Force (CREST) is being contracted through DTP to create an atlas of existing public domain Geographic Information System (GIS) data. Currently, a wide range of digital cartographic data exists but is not easily accessible because of differing formats. The project will compile existing digital information into most commonly used GIS format types. Types of information to be compiled include recreational resources, soils, wildlife habitats, county/city/park boundaries, hazard areas, and other information of interest to the public for Clatsop and Pacific Counties. CREST has already compiled a similar atlas for Wahkiakum County in Washington. The digital data will be available to the public, agencies, schools and businesses on line and as CDs.
SPECIAL HISTORY STUDY
The National Park Service is conducting a special history study for the recently created Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks (LEWI). This study is essential to the management of LEWI and is a required baseline document for all NPS units. This study will research and identify the significant historical themes or contexts for this region, and inventory, document and evaluate the extant cultural resources associated with those themes. The results of this study will inform and enhance the park?s resource management and interpretation programs, and, in turn, assist LEWI?s partners in their management and visitor programs. The special history study of the Lower Columbia River region will be a document that traces the history of human interactions throughout the region. There are four phases of the study: 1) Preliminary bibliographic research identifying available literature on the region and themes thought to be relevant to the study. This includes primary and secondary source material (photographs, maps, diaries, journals, oral histories, etc.); 2) Conducting intensive historical research into the identified repositories and prepare a written narrative; 3) Refine narrative history and conduct site visits to the cultural resource sites/properties that are potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; 4) Production of final report and supporting materials.
The National Park Service has finalized negotiations with The Center for Columbia River Studies to produce the study. The Center is a joint partnership between Portland State University, Washington State University and Washington state Historical Society.
2007 GATEWAY COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
A team of volunteers are working on conducting a regional Gateway Community Workshop in March 2007. The purpose of this workshop is twofold: 1) Provide an opportunity for community input regarding the National Heritage Area proposal. This input will then be documented and used as one of the components of the feasibility study. 2) Develop the knowledge, collaborations, and tools necessary to begin leveraging the new Lewis and Clark National Historical Park as part of regional marketing and planning. The workshop is aimed at strengthening the relationship between the community, national and state parks and will be conducted in a way to produce definable and achievable actions for implementation
REGIONAL MARKETING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Marketing: DTP is taking a leadership role in developing a regional marketing plan that capitalizes on the momentum created by the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. A Regional Marketing Team has been created to develop a strategy for this and to create a plan for marketing the 2007 Workshop.
Economic Development: DTP is actively involved in the Clatsop County economic development efforts and plans on becoming engaged with Pacific County efforts.
LEWI PARK PROGRAMS
Marketing:•New Official Guide to the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park: DTP worked with the Park, Pelican Productions, and local businesses to create a new guide that introduces visitors to all twelve units of the new Park. 200,000 copies have been published for distribution.
Fort To Sea Trail: DTP continues to support construction and improvements to the Fort To Sea Trial including construction of Clatsop Ridge Overlook, construction of new boardwalk, and development of interpretation.
Education/Interpretation: DTP continues supporting education and interpretation projects for LEWI including research to create an institute.
NPS Museum Management Plan Recommendation: The Lewis and Clark National Historical Park has developed a Museum Management Plan that has been adopted by the National Park Service. As part of this plan, LEWI is committed to working with other partners (e.g. Clatsop Community College, Oregon State Parks, Clatsop County Historical Society, Columbia River Maritime Museum, and Washington State Parks, among others) to create a Lower Columbia Research Center focusing on the cultural and natural resources of the lower Columbia River region that allow the park, its partners, and the community to facilitate research, education, and a greater understanding and appreciation of the area.
LIVING HISTORY
Living History: DTP continues to support these efforts by writing grants and providing administrative support to this fledgling group as they ready themselves to become an independent non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization.
CONTACTING US
DESTINATION: THE PACIFIC
STAFF
Cyndi Mudge
Executive Director
(503) 440-7168 (cell)
dtp@seasurf.net
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 2005
Astoria, OR 97103
OFFICE
Lewis & Clark National Historical Park, Headquarters
92343 Fort Clatsop Road
Astoria, OR 97103
PHONE
(503) 861-4403
FAX
(503) 861-2585
WEBSITE
www.destinationthepacific.com
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