Partners & Links

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT



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Tourism & Community Services Program Partners & Links

Gateway communities and the tourism industry actively market to potential visitors the natural and heritage attractions managed by the BLM. Outfitters, guides, and large sectors of the tourism industry depend upon both access to and the availability of these BLM-managed public land attractions. This fundamental relationship requires that BLM maintain an active dialogue with gateway communities and the tourism industry to ensure that informed management choices are made through mutual planning.

Tourism & Community Services Program

The goals and objectives of both the Department of the Interior and of the BLM emphasize community and local private/public partnerships. Because the tourism industry has a strong effect on rural, county, and state economic and social issues, the Secretary of the Interior has signed the following two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with State tourism organizations of the Western and Southeastern states:

These formal partnerships help articulate the substantial services rendered to visitors and communities by BLM’s Recreation, NLCS, and Heritage Resources programs.

Following are links to these two important BLM tourism and community services partners, as well as a list of other links related to tourism and community services.

Partners

Western States Tourism Policy Council (WSTPC) – WSTPC is comprised of all western state tourism departments. The Council has a strong interest in the Public Lands and their importance to their businesses.

Southeastern Tourism Policy Council (STPC) – Similar to WSTPC, but comprised of states within the Southeastern United States.

Additional Links

BLM’s Heritage Resources Program

BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System

America’s Byways

World Tourism Organization (WTO) Sustainable Development of Tourism – Follow this link to tourism events and publications. Also found here is information on the concept of reduction of poverty through sustainable development of tourism as an outcome of the Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable Development in pursuit of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) – TIA is a coalition of the American tourism industry. It provides numerous tourism-related services, and publishes market data.

See America Campaign – A focused marketing effort of the Travel Industry of America.

Nature Tourism Video – The video “Nature Tourism Businesses” describes how an individual or community can start a nature tourism business. It discusses the possibilities, risks and firsts steps to take. Each BLM State Office has received a copy of this video. For interested partners that may want a copy, see the following contact information: “Nature Tourism Businesses” video (click here for ordering information); Montana State University Extension; Community Development; (406) 994-3273.