Sustainable Recreation and Tourism Initiative

Welcome to Projects and Funding

Project Description: “Project Development and Prioritization” is the official name of Track 4 of the “Sustainable Recreation and Tourism Initiative”. Members of the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership (ESSRP) worked collaboratively in facilitated sessions to identify the components of a portfolio of projects eligible for funding via local and “out-of-region” financial opportunities. The final projects in the portfolio drew upon project ideas generated through the three companion tracks of the “Sustainable Recreation and Tourism Initiative”: Recreation Stakeholders; Climate Adaptation & Resilience; and Visitor Audience. The Initiative provided technical capacity to the ESSRP to identify and prioritize project ideas and then create the portfolio of eight developed sustainable recreation projects along with recommended funding opportunities. Work was completed on the SRTI's "Projects" track on January 31, 2022. MLTPA is pleased to provide this web page in support of the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership (ESSRP) and the "Sustainable Recreation and Tourism Initiative."

COVID-19: Efforts in pursuit of the “Project Development and Prioritization” track were conducted virtually. The pandemic profoundly affected gateway communities and counties in the Eastern Sierra, all recreation activities, and our visitor audience. Despite challenges, the Initiative went digital and virtual, with every expectation that project deliverables would be completed on time consistent with all contractual obligations. Reliable virtual solutions were made possible by the Eastern Sierra's Digital 395 which provided unprecedented open-access broadband network capacity.

ESSRP Prospectus and SRTI Portfolio of Projects

ESSRP PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE INVESTMENTS

Over a series of meetings in 2021, the Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership met to develop long term priorities for sustainable recreation in the region. The “Prospectus” includes eight investment strategies, feasibility parameters, guiding principles, and ESSRP project pillars. Please click above to view or download.

SRTI Portfolio of Projects

Click above to view the SRTI Portfolio of Projects, a diversified collection of eight developed and funding-ready projects identified through a collaborative approach. It is representative of the ESSRP's first investments in a truly regional sustainable recreation strategy based on the “ESSRP Prospectus For Future Investments”.

The Eight Final SRTI Projects

Eastern Sierra Campground Improvements

This project will allow ESCOG to close a capacity gap related to Inyo National Forest campground improvements. ESCOG will seek funding to perform necessary technical and financial analysis, stakeholder and public outreach, including visuals, and funder engagement to finance construction. Please click above for more information about this project.

Towns To Trails Plan

ESCOG will seek funding to develop a region-wide trail system in collaboration with ESSRP partners. Eastern Sierra communities will be provided opportunities to envision, create, and maintain a trail system based on existing trails with links to community and recreation sites. Please click above for more information about this project.

Dispersed Camping Mitigation: Camp Like a Pro

Mono County seeks funding on behalf of the region to grow the dispersed camping management programs implemented in the summer of 2021: enhancing outreach, expanding waste management, reducing instances of human-caused wildfires through information-sharing and enforcement, and continuing to build a culture of responsible recreation. Please click above for more information about this project.

Regional Recreation Capacity

The Eastern Sierra Council of Governments (ESCOG) Joint Powers Authority (JPA) intends to apply for funding on behalf of their Sustainable Recreation & Ecosystem Management Program. The ESCOG requires organizational capacity and institutional support to administer funding opportunities for sustainable recreation. Please click above for more information about this project.

Vulnerability in California’s Eastern Sierra: Asset Inventory & Gap Analysis

As recommended by SRTI’s “A Changing Climate: Vulnerability in California’s Eastern Sierra,” funding is being pursued to create a GIS inventory of recreation assets including a gap analysis for resilience for all regional jurisdictions. Please click above for more information about this project.

Eastern Sierra Visitor Connection Program

The regional sustainable recreation communication program will coordinate in-person opportunities, create content and a website for digital outreach, develop employee training, coordinate kiosks and signage, develop a strategic plan, and research visitor audience to maximize messaging efficacy. Please click above for more information about this project.

Buttermilk Infrastructure and Recreation Planning Initiative (BIRPI)

The Buttermilk Infrastructure and Recreation Planning Initiative (BIRPI) will fund recreation infrastructure improvements for toilets and trails and provide focused recreation planning in the Buttermilk Bouldering Area and conceptual long-term recreation planning in the Buttermilk Project Area. Please click above for more information about this project.

Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway Analysis

In the late 1990's, regional agencies and sponsors created the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway with interpretive signage along Highway 395, which is now dated and in disrepair. This project reviewed the complex jurisdictional issues, inventoried and photo documented the current status of the existing signage, and identified next steps for the ESSRP. Please click above for more information about this project.

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Last Updated: January 27, 2022

Funding for this project has been provided by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, an agency of the State of California, under the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) and in support of the Sierra Nevada Watershed Improvement Program.