Geotourism Specialist (2016 - 2020)
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I have been contracted by NERN to be a Geotourism Specialist for the Niagara Escarpment. NERN is a member of the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), and I developed a Geotourism Management Plan for connecting the seven counties of the Escarpment throughout Wisconsin. Please visit the new website here.
The Niagara Escarpment is a 1,000 mile-long geologic formation that begins with "head high" dolomitic rock outcroppings above ground at the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. The Niagara Escarpment, also known internationally as "The Great Arc," travels northward to the Door County Peninsula, through Upper Michigan, arcs around Ontario, Canada, and spills out into the iconic Niagara Falls in New York State and beyond (see map below). I am working towards developing and growing a global destination in Wisconsin, essentially connecting-the-dots along the Escarpment (a.k.a. "The Ledge"), and working with each of the seven counties to develop sustainable tourism initiatives that include residents, local businesses, tourism offices, state and county parks, nature preserves, visitor centers, cultural heritage attractions, and more. The central theme behind the program is that the 'sum is greater than each of its parts' and by developing a strategy that connects these counties along this geologic formation, we will be assisting local businesses that work to support community, culture and the environment; generating awareness and education among local residents and visitors; and preserving this incredible geologic formation and all of its natural and cultural heritage features for present and future generations. The geotourism program is one component of a larger, more strategic and comprehensive program to implement the organization’s vision, which includes four other components: tours, events, conservation and education (see right). In the future, it is hoped that Michigan, Canada, and New York State will join our efforts to develop a more expansive, international geotourism route of global significance. 
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Elements from the new branding campaign for Wisconsin's portion of the Niagara Escarpment, commonly referred to as "The Ledge."
Click on the image above to download our five program description sheets.
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