HomeMy WebLinkAboutKittitas County Tourism Plan
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Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan
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Kittitas County Commissioners
Paul Jewell, District 1
Gary Berndt, District 2
Obie O’Brien, District 3
Consolidated Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Paul Jewell, Commissioner
Debbie Myers, Clerk
Janine Brodine
Roylene Crawford
Darlene Grant
Scott Gray
Kathleen Horner
Nancy Lillquist
Amy McGuffin
Ron Spears
Ron Stiffler
Consultants
Tom Beckwith FAICP, Beckwith Consulting Group
Eric Hovee, ED Hovee & Company
Stan Lokting AIA, ARC Architects
Terry Reckord FASLA, MacLeod Reckord PLLC
Jennifer Hackett, Manastash Mapping
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Executive summary
Geotourism (chapter 1)
Geotourism sustains or enhances the geographical character of a
place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the
wellbeing of its residents. This Kittitas County tourism
infrastructure plan is based on a geotourism definition and
approach.
The amount of lodging tax revenue being generated in Kittitas
County has increased significantly in recent years due to the
development of additional lodging facilities and tourist attractions.
As a result, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the
Consolidated Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)
commissioned this Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan to
determine trends in geotourism, profiles of typical geotourists,
projections of geotourism potentials, assets that attract geotourists,
goals and actions necessary to expand geotourism potential, and
implementation steps necessary to achieve results.
Trends (chapter 2)
Kittitas County tourism spending between 1991 and 2013,
increased by 4.6% or to $170,200,000 resulting in a 4.5% increase in
earnings or to $53,100,000 in tourism related employment, and -
0.7% in employment or to 2,380 jobs by 2013.
Kittitas County, Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ellensburg’s combined
revenues from the state-shared and added local lodging tax
increased from $163,627 in 1994 to $1,296,722 by 2014 increasing
at an annual average growth rate of 13.7%.
Profiles (chapter 3)
A survey conducted on Kittitas County and Kittitas County Chamber
of Commerce websites of tourist respondents indicated 33% of
survey respondents primarily live in Puget Sound (Tacoma, Seattle,
Everett) and other Western Washington State (18%) for 51% total
from the west side of the state, Central Washington State (29%),
Eastern Washington State (12%), Oregon (3%), California (1%), other
states in the US (4%), and Canada (0.1%). The results generally
reflect population distributions within Washington State and
possibly the impact of major travel corridors on I-90 and US-2 to
major metropolitan areas in Western Washington.
Of the survey respondents 69% definitely planned on participating
in recreation including biking, hiking, swimming, kayaking, boating,
fishing, hunting, skiing, and other winter activities and 61% to visit
family and friends compared with area ambiance including
shopping in stores, eating in restaurants (47%), attending events
including festivals or other celebrations (42%), ecotourism including
nature and wildlife tours, bird watching (30%), history including
touring landmarks, historic districts, and museums (30%),
agritourism including touring wineries, farms, ranches, barn quilts
(22%), arts and culture including visiting artists studios, galleries
(14%), or attending a meeting or conference (10%). Conversely, 82%
of survey respondents definitely planned on not participating in a
meeting or conference compared with arts and culture (40%0,
agritourism (38%), ecotourism (31%), history (24%), family and
friends (22%), events (21%), area ambience (16%), and recreation
(14%).
Projections (chapter 4)
Kittitas County’s principal market area is deemed to be counties
best served by major roadways including Interstate 90 serving King
and Pierce Counties to the west and Grant County to the east, US-2
and US-97 serving Snohomish and Chelan Counties to the northwest
and Douglas County to the northeast, and Interstate 82 serving
Yakima and Benton Counties to the south.
The results of the website tourist survey generally reflect
population distributions within Washington State and possibly the
impact of major travel corridors on I-90 and US-2 to major
metropolitan areas in western Washington. Given the significantly
larger populations residing in western Washington, even minor
increases in tourist attraction from western Washington could easily
generate greater tourist visitation volumes than major increases
from the smaller populations in central and eastern Washington.
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Expenditure projections partly reflect the different participation
rates between activities, with niche activities with low participation
rates like surfboarding and rafting generating low expenditure
volumes, and partly the geographic location of sites with
characteristics supportive of the activity, like skiing and fishing.
The projections do not distinguish between geotourism activities
that are already attracting a high percentage of the participants of
the activity, like skiing or fishing, however, from geotourism
activities with high potential participation and expenditure volumes
which Kittitas County has not established a strong market draw of
capture.
Geotourism activities generating MOST likely visitation after
being provided information on Kittitas County attractions –
include historical districts and landmarks (60% of the follow-up
respondents will visit more now that aware of attractions), farms,
famers’ markets, and produce stands (60%), public lands (55%),
wildlife habitat areas (55%), extent of wildlife species (55%), fishing
access sites (53%), museums and Native American sites (53%),
historical railroads and roads (53%), hiking trails (53%), art galleries,
studios, and performances (50%) suggesting that outreach will be
most effective for these attractions since they do not know or
have not visited these destinations. The expenditure projections
indicate these activities also generate the largest potential
expenditure volumes in Kittitas County through 2040.
Geotourism activities generating LEAST likely visitation after
being provided information on Kittitas County attractions –
include horse trails (11%), off-road vehicle (ORV) trails (16%), all-
terrain vehicles (ATV) trails (16%), hunting and shooting sites (16%),
barns and farmsteads (20%), and barn quilts (25%) suggesting that
participants of these activities currently know of Kittitas County
attractions suggesting that outreach will be least effective for
these attractions since they know or have already frequented
these destinations. The expenditure projections indicate these
activities also generate the least potential expenditure volumes
in Kittitas County through 2040
Assets (chapter 5)
Geotourism maps were developed from a database of recreation and
culture created by Manastash Mapping for Washington Hometown
Project. The data was drawn from numerous public sources and
from interviews with recreation managers and user groups
including Kittitas County, Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Washington
State Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC - State Parks),
Departments of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), Natural Resources (DNR),
Transportation (WSDOT), and History & Archaeology (DHAP), US
Forest Service (USFS), and various private and nonprofit agencies
including Suncadia, Forterra, Mountain to Sound Greenway, among
others (see Appendix H).
Goals (chapter 6)
The following principals will guide the conservation and
development of geotourism resources In Kittitas County:
§ Develop integrity of place
§ Be market selective
§ Diversify market opportunities
§ Satisfy tourists
§ Involve the community
§ Benefit the community
§ Protect and enhance destination appeal
§ Guide land use
§ Conserve resources
§ Proactively plan
§ Interpret interactively
§ Evaluate
Actions (chapter 7)
Action tasks were identified from the results of the visitor and
follow-up surveys, Cle Elum and Ellensburg workshops, public open
houses, and tourism data. While the proposed actions are
comprehensive, the action tasks are not inclusive of all possible
options that may implement Kittitas County tourism potentials or
that could be submitted and funded under annual competitive
lodging tax infrastructure project applications.
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Contents
1: Introduction 1 6: Goals 60
Geotourism 1 Kittitas County geotourism goals 60
Purpose/organization of this geoourism plan 1 7: Actions 62
2: Trends 3 Environmental 62
Kittitas County tourism volumes and expenditures 3 Agriculture 63
Kittitas County lodging tax revenue 5 Recreation 64
3: Profiles 7 Heritage 65
Characteristics 7 Cultural 66
Destinations 10 Supporting 67
Attractions 10 Appendices
Behaviors 13 A: Washington State lodging tax A-1
4: Projections 16 B: Tourism expenditures and lodging tax revenue B-1
Kittitas County market area population projections 16 C: Kittitas County visitor survey C-1
Washington State RCO SCORP surveys 18 D: Market area population projections D-1
Estimated Kittitas County 2014-2040 expenditures 20 E: Washington State SCORP diary surveys E-1
Web-based visitor survey follow-ups 23 F: Geotourism expenditures F-1
5: Assets 25 G: Follow-up surveys G-1
Environmental 25 H: Kittitas County geotourism asset inventory H-1
Agriculture 31
Recreation 36
Heritage 48
Cultural 54
Supporting 58
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1: Introduction
Geotourism
Geotourism, as defined by the National Geographic Center for
Sustainable Destinations, sustains or enhances the geographical
character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage,
and the wellbeing of its residents.
§ Geotourism adds to sustainability principles - by building on
a destination's geographical character, its "sense of place," to
emphasize the distinctiveness of its locale and benefit visitor and
resident alike.
§ Geotourism is synergistic - all the elements of geographical
character work together to create a tourist experience that is richer
than the sum of its parts, appealing to visitors with diverse
interests.
§ Geotourism involves the community - including local
businesses and civic groups to provide a distinctive, authentic
visitor experience.
§ Geotourism informs both visitors and hosts - whereby
residents discover their own heritage by learning that things they
take for granted may be interesting to outsiders and whereby local
residents develop pride and skill in showing off their locale,
tourists get more out of their visit.
§ Geotourism benefits residents economically - where travel
businesses hire local workers, and use local services, products, and
supplies. When community members understand the benefits of
geotourism, they take responsibility for destination stewardship.
§ Geotourism supports integrity of place - where destination-
savvy travelers seek out businesses that emphasize the character of
the locale, and in return, local stakeholders who receive economic
benefits appreciate and protect the value of those assets.
§ Geotourism means great trips - where enthusiastic visitors
bring home new knowledge and stories encouraging friends and
relatives to experience the same thing, which brings continuing
business for the destination.
This Kittitas County tourism infrastructure plan is based on a
geotourism definition and approach.
Purpose/organization of this geotourism plan
The amount of lodging tax revenue being generated in Kittitas
County has increased significantly in recent years due to the
development of additional lodging facilities and tourist attractions.
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As a result, the BOCC and the LTAC commissioned this Kittitas
County Tourism Infrastructure Plan to determine the following:
§ Trends – including estimates of past annual Kittitas County
tourist volumes and expenditure patterns for accommodations,
food service, food stores, transportation and gas, arts,
entertainment, and recreation, and retail sales services in the local
economy.
§ Profiles – of Kittitas County tourists including place of
residence, age, household status, education, income, method of
travel, information sources, and other characteristics.
§ Projections – of potential tourist volumes and expenditures
that could be drawn to Kittitas County attractions were geotourism
assets properly supported, marketed, and promoted including
which assets potentially generate the greatest cost/benefit return
for the use of capital project lodging taxes.
§ Assets – including existing and potential geotourism heritage,
cultural, environmental, agricultural, and recreational destinations
and attractions Kittitas County tourists attend and are interested in
attending were they properly supported, marketed, and promoted.
§ Actions – Kittitas County should take to effectively develop the
capital projects (infrastructure) to capture this potential and the
lead agents and supporting players necessary to successfully
accomplish each capital project requirement.
§ Implementation – criteria to be used to generate, score, and
rank future capital project applications in order to realize the
tourism market and local economic benefits identified above.
The findings and recommendations for these objectives are
provided in the following chapters corresponding to each objective.
Detailed information is provided in the Appendices to this plan.
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2: Trends – in tourism volumes, expenditures, and revenues
Kittitas County tourism volumes and expenditures
Tourist volumes and expenditures for each county and statewide
were collected from 1991 until 2009 by the Washington State
Tourism Commission under a contract with Dean Runyan Associates
until the Legislature abolished the Commission in 2009. Tourist
information has been collected since 2009 on a county-by-county
basis by Dean Runyan Associates under a contract with the
privately funded Washington State Tourism Alliance and each
participating county including Kittitas County. Following are major
findings:
Tourist expenditures 1991-2013
§ From 1991 to 2013, Washington State, tourism spending
increased at 4.4% or to $18.6 billion resulting in 4.7% increase in
earnings or to $5.0 billion in tourism related employment, and 0.7%
in employment or to 159.2 thousand jobs by 2013.
§ By comparison, Kittitas County during the same 1991 to 2013
period increased tourism spending by 4.6% or to $170.2 million
resulting in a 4.5% increase in earnings or to $53.1 million in
tourism related employment, and -0.7% in employment or to 2,380
jobs by 2013.
Average annual growth rate (AAGR)
Kittitas County Washington State
Years Spend Earn Jobs Spend Earn Jobs
1991-2013 4.6% 4.5% -0.7% 4.4% 4.7% 0.7%
1991-2004 2.9% 3.2% -3.0% 4.7% 5.7% 0.7%
2004-2013 7.0% 6.5% 2.8% 4.0% 3.3% 0.8%
2013-2014 8.5% 3.6% 9.5% 4.8% 1.8% 2.6%
Source: Dean Runyan Associates
§ From 1991-2004, however, Kittitas County lagged behind
Washington State averaging 2.9% in average annual growth rate
(AAGR) in spending compared to 4.7% in Washington State, 3.2% in
earnings compared to 5.7% in Washington State, and -3.0% in
employment compared to 0.7% in Washington State.
§ From 2004-2013, however, Kittitas County exceeded
Washington State averaging 7.0% in average annual growth rate
(AAGR) in spending compared to 4.0% in Washington State, 6.5% in
earnings compared to 3.3% in Washington State, and 2.8% in
employment compared to 0.8% in Washington State.
§ From 2013-2014, Kittitas County exceeded Washington State
significantly averaging 8.5% in average annual growth rate (AAGR) in
spending compared to 4.8% in Washington State, 3.6% in earnings
compared to 1.8% in Washington State, and 9.5% in employment
compared to 2.6% in Washington State.
Destination spending 2006 and 2013
§ In 2006, Kittitas County visitors spent proportionately less in
accommodations at 16% compared to 18% in Washington State, more
in food service at 33% compared to 27% in Washington State, more
in food stores at 11% compared to 8% in Washington State, less in
local transportation and gas at 10% compared to 19% in Washington
State, more in arts, entertainment, and recreation at 15% compared
to 14% in Washington State, and more in retail sales at 16%
compared to 15% in Washington State.
Percent of total destination spending
Kittitas County Washington State
2006 2013 2006 2013
Accommodations 16% 22% 18% 18%
Food service 33% 33% 27% 28%
Food stores 11% 10% 8% 8%
Local transportation/gas 10% 9% 19% 19%
Arts, entertainment, rctn 15% 12% 14% 12%
Retail sales 16% 14% 15% 14%
Total spending (millions) $109 $166 $10,821 $13,410
Source: Dean Runyan Associates
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§ In 2013, Kittitas County visitors spent proportionately more in
accommodations at 22% compared to 18% in Washington State, more
in food service at 33% compared to 28% in Washington State, more
in food stores at 10% compared to 8% in Washington State, less in
local transportation and gas at 9% compared to 19% in Washington
State, the same in arts, entertainment, and recreation at 12%
compared to 12% in Washington State, and the same in retail sales
at 14% compared to 14% in Washington State.
Type of accommodations in 2013
§ In 2013, Kittitas County visitors stayed more in hotels and
motels at 61% compared to 51% in Washington State, less in private
homes at 11% compared to 23% in Washington State, more in
campgrounds at 7% compared to 4% in Washington State, more in
vacation homes at 4% compared to 1% in Washington State, and less
passing through in day travel at 17% compared to 21% in
Washington State.
Spending on accommodations in 2013
Kittitas County Washington State
Hotel, motel 61% 51%
Private home 11% 23%
Campground 7% 4%
Vacation home 4% 1%
Day travel 17% 21%
Total (millions) $166 $14,909
Source: Dean Runyan Associates
Kittitas County lodging tax revenue
RCW 67.28.181 allows the legislature body of any municipality to
impose an excise tax that cannot exceed the lesser of 2.0% or a rate
that, when combined with all other taxes imposed upon sales of
lodging within the municipality equals 12.0%. A local added lodging
tax cannot be imposed in increments smaller than 0.1%.
Kittitas County, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Roslyn have imposed the
allowable state-shared rate of 2.0% since 1994. Kittitas County
imposed the additional local lodging tax beginning in 2009, Cle
Elum in 2001, Ellensburg in 2000, and Roslyn in 2010. Currently,
Kittitas County, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Roslyn impose the
allowable lodging shared and local rates totaling 4.0%.
The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) collects and
disburses lodging tax revenues for all jurisdictions in the state.
Current lodging tax rates State-shared Local Total
Cle Elum 2.0% 2.0% 4.0%
Ellensburg 2.0% 2.0% 4.0%
Roslyn 2.0% 2.0% 4.0%
Kittitas County 2.0% 2.0% 4.0%
Source: Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR)
§ The state-shared 2.0% lodging tax revenues from Kittitas
County, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Roslyn increased steadily from
$163,627 in 1994 to $652,669 by 2014.
§ The added local lodging tax revenues steadily increased as well
from $92,331 in 2000 when Ellensburg began imposing the tax to
$644,053 by 2014 when Kittitas County, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and
Roslyn were all imposing the maximum local allowable 2.0% rate.
§ Combined revenues from the state-shared and added local
lodging tax increased from $163,627 in 1994 to $1,296,722 by 2014
increasing at an annual average growth rate of 13.7%.
§ Kittitas County’s share of the combined state-shared and added
local lodging tax fluctuated between 1994 and 2006 from a high of
29.4% in 1999 to a low of 9.7% in 2004. Kittitas County’s share
increased steadily since from 26.1% in 2008 to 56.2% by 2014.
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3: Profiles – of Kittitas County tourists
A web-based survey has been collected of visitors to the Cle Elum,
Ellensburg, and Kittitas County Chambers of Commerce as well as
through postcard handouts and other printed materials at various
locations throughout the county for the past 9 months. The survey
will remain open on the websites for as long as there continue to be
responses.
The survey results reflect persons who are using these websites to
gather or browse information about Kittitas County tourist interests
and may not reflect the interests or characteristics of persons who
use other sites or other means of information. A random drawing
for a $250 Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce gift certificate
was advertised as an incentive to complete the survey of which 71%
of survey respondents registered.
Following are major findings of the results generated by 359
responses thus far (complete survey is provided in Appendix A):
Characteristics
§ Place of residence – 33% of survey respondents primarily live
in Puget Sound (Tacoma, Seattle, Everett) and other Western
Washington State (18%) for 51% total from the west side of the state,
Central Washington State (29%), Eastern Washington State (12%),
Oregon (3%), California (1%), other states in the US (4%), and Canada
(0.1%). The results generally reflect population distributions within
Washington State and possibly the impact of major travel corridors
on I-90 and US-2 to major metropolitan areas in Western
Washington.
§ Number of visits – 85% of survey respondents visited Kittitas
County 8 or more times compared with 0 or first time (1%), 1 time
(2%), 2 times (2%), 3 times (2%), 4 times (1%), 5 times (3%), 6 times
(3%), and 7 times (1%).
§ Means of travel – 92% of survey respondents travel
predominately by car compared with RV (3%), rented car (2%),
airplane (2%), bicycle (1%), and tour bus (0%).
§ Duration of stay – 36% of survey respondents stay in Kittitas
County for measurable durations of 8+ days compared with 2 days
(22%), 3 days (14%), 1 day (7%), 4 days (7%), 5 days (4%), 6 days (2%),
7 days (2%), and 0 days (6%).
§ Type of accommodations – 26% of survey respondents stayed
in family seasonal housing compared with friends homes (23%),
hotels and motels (20%), campgrounds (12%), rented houses (6%),
B&Bs (1%), and other (12%).
§ Not staying overnight – 43% of survey respondents did not stay
overnight as they were day-tripping (71%) or visiting other places or
passing through (22%), or accommodations were not available (6%).
§ Size of party under age 18 – 30% of survey respondents had no
accompanying children under age 18 while most had 2 (36%), 1
(11%), 3 (9%), 4 (9%), 6 (2%), 5 (1%), or other 8+ (2%).
§ Size of party over age 19 – 61% of survey respondents have 2
adults in the party while the remainder had 4 (14%), 3 (10%), 1 (9%),
6 (3%), 5 (1%), or over 8+ (2%).
§ Plan on coming back – 96% of survey respondents plan on
returning to Kittitas County compared with maybe (4%), and not
(0%).
§ Number of times returning in the next year – 26% of survey
respondents indicated they would return occasionally or 4-6 times
in the next year compared with regularly or 25+ times (25%),
frequently or 7-12 times (22%), rarely or 1-3 times (16%), often or
13-24 times (10%), and not at all (1%).
§ Age group – 30% of survey respondents were age 45-54
compared with age 55-64 (26%), 35-44 (22%), 65+ (12%), 25-34 (9%),
and 19-24 (1%).
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§ Household income – 41% of survey respondents had household
incomes above $100,000 compared with $50-74,999 (20%), $30-
49,999 (15%), $75-99,999 (12%), $20-29,999 (7%), and under $20,000
(5%).
§ Recommend Kittitas County – 81% of survey respondents
definitely recommend Kittitas County’s attractions, programs, and
facilities to others compared with maybe (19%), and not at all (0%).
In summary
Survey respondents, and thereby a self-selected sample of Kittitas
County visitors, are predominately from Western Washington; are
frequent visitors; travel by car; stay for a number of days in a
variety of accommodations including seasonal housing, friends, and
hotels; accompanied by some children and 2 or more adults; plan
on coming back at least 4-12 times next year; of a mixture of age
groups; having upper income, and definitely recommending Kittitas
County attractions, programs, and facilities.
Destinations
§ Kittitas County only destination – 53% of survey respondents
indicated Kittitas County was their only destination compared with
47% who did not.
§ Visit other cities and places in Kittitas County – 77% of survey
respondents definitely planned to visit Cle Elum, 74% Ellensburg,
and 71% Roslyn compared with Suncadia (42%), Snoqualmie (40%),
Kittitas (33%), and Vantage (29%). Conversely, 12% of survey
respondents definitely planned on not visiting Cle Elum, 13%
Ellensburg, 15% Roslyn compared with Suncadia (38%), Snoqualmie
(41%), Kittitas (51%), and Vantage (52%).
§ Visit other cities and places in Eastern Washington, Oregon,
and Idaho – 38% of survey respondents definitely planned on
visiting Yakima, 36% Leavenworth, and 32% Wenatchee compared
with Moses Lake (18%), Winthrop (17%), Tri-Cities (16%), Spokane
(15%), Bend, Oregon (15%), and Coeur D’Alene, Idaho (15%).
Conversely, 78% of survey respondents definitely planned on not
visiting Walla Walla, 74% Tri-Cities, 74% Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, 73%
Bend, Oregon, 72% Moses Lake, 70% Spokane, and 70% Winthrop
compared with Wenatchee (46%) and Leavenworth (37%).
Attractions
§ Reasons for Kittitas County visit – 69% of survey respondents
definitely planned on participating in recreation including biking,
hiking, swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, and
other winter activities and 61% to visit family and friends compared
with area ambiance including shopping in stores, eating in
restaurants (47%), attending events including festivals or other
celebrations (42%), ecotourism including nature and wildlife tours,
bird watching (30%), history including touring landmarks, historic
districts, and museums (30%), agritourism including touring
wineries, farms, ranches, barn quilts (22%), arts and culture
including visiting artists studios, galleries (14%), or attending a
meeting or conference (10%). Conversely, 82% of survey
respondents definitely planned on not participating in a meeting or
conference compared with arts and culture (40%0, agritourism
(38%), ecotourism (31%), history (24%), family and friends (22%),
events (21%), area ambience (16%), and recreation (14%).
§ Special events – 36% of survey respondents definitely planned
on attending a special event or festival during their visit compared
with maybe (25%), and not at all (39%).
§ Would like more information on special events – 33% of
survey respondents would like more information on special events
and festivals in Kittitas County compared with maybe (21%), and not
at all (46%).
§ Historical and cultural facilities – 59% of survey respondents
definitely planned on visiting Downtown Ellensburg compared with
Roslyn historic district (41%), Roslyn museum (35%), Gingko
Petrified Forest (34%), Wild Horse Wind Farm (27%), Kittitas County
in general (26%), Olmstead State Park (25%), South Cle Elum Depot
(25%), Thorpe Mill (23%), Gallery One in Ellensburg (23%), Clymer
Museum in Ellensburg (22%), Washington State Horse Park (17%), Cle
Elum Telephone Museum (15%), and The Carpenter House in Cle
Elum (13%).
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§ Would like more information on historical and cultural
attractions – 24% of survey respondents would like more
information on historical and cultural attractions compared with
maybe (20%), and not at all (57%).
§ Wildlife and environmental interpretive facilities – 54% of
survey respondents definitely planned on visiting the Yakima River
Canyon and 45% Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail compared
with Teanaway Community Forest (37%), Ginkgo Petrified Forest
(33%), Roslyn Urban Forest (32%), Lake Easton State Park (29%), Cle
Elum Depot (26%), Olmstead Place State Park (23%), LT Murray
Wildlife Area (23%), Naneum State Forest (22%), Wanapum, State Park
in Vantage (21%), and Washington State Horse Park (18%).
§ Would like more information on wildlife and environmental
interpretive facilities – 28% of survey respondents would like more
information on wildlife and environmental interpretive facilities
compared with maybe (21%), and not at all (51%).
§ Agritourism attractions – 72% of survey respondents definitely
planned on visiting a farmers’ market compared with breweries
(50%), wineries and distilleries (42%), family or pick-your-own farms
(32%), organic farms (25%), barn quilt tour (19%), and other
agricultural attractions (15%).
§ Would like more information on agritourism attractions –
20% of survey respondents would like more information on
agritourism attractions compared with maybe (19%), and not at all
(62%).
§ Non-winter trail-oriented recreational activities – 60% of
survey respondents definitely planned on hiking on a multipurpose
trail, 58% on a park or area trail, 52% on a backcountry trail
compared with biking on a multipurpose trail (41%), biking on a
mountain trail (37%), biking on-road touring (25%), riding on a
motorcycle, ATV, or ORV (19%), horseback riding on an area trail or
place (12%), horseback riding on a backcountry trail (11%),
horseback riding on a multipurpose trail (9%), or other (14%).
§ Winter oriented trail and recreational activities – 48% of
survey respondents definitely planned on snow play and 40% on
sledding and tubing compared with snowshoeing (35%), back or
cross-country skiing (29%), downhill skiing and snowboarding (28%),
snowmobiling (19%), ice skating (17%), and other (9%).
§ Water oriented recreation activities – 42% of survey
respondents definitely planned on floating or rafting compared
with canoeing or kayaking (29%), power boating (13%), water skiing
(10%), and other (10%).
§ Fishing and hunting oriented recreational activities – 35% of
survey respondents definitely planned on fishing from the bank
and 27% fishing from a boat compared with skeet, trap, or range
shooting (12%), hunting deer, elk or bear (11%), hunting upland
birds (7%), hunting small animals (6%), hunting water fowl (5%), and
other (3%).
§ Would like more information on trail, water, winter, fishing
or hunting recreational attractions – 19% of survey respondents
would like more information on trail, water, winter, fishing, or
hunting recreational attractions compared with maybe (14%), and
not at all (67%).
Would like more information on: No Maybe Yes
Special events 46% 21% 33%
Historical and cultural 57% 20% 24%
Wildlife and environmental 51% 21% 28%
Agriculture 62% 19% 20%
Recreation 67% 14% 19%
Behaviors
§ Source of information – 66% of survey respondents relied on
previous personal knowledge, 62% on family and friends, and 47%
on internet websites for information about Kittitas County’s
attractions, services, and other particulars compared with the
Upper Kittitas County Visitors Guide (21%), Central Washington
Visitors Guide (16%), visitor or welcome centers (16%), private
guidebooks and travel guides (14%), newspapers (14%), promotional
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§ materials like brochures and flyers (13%), Washington State
tourist information (10%), or commercial advertisements (5%)..
§ Websites – 21% of survey respondents utilized the website
hosted by Suncadia Resort and 18% on the Kittitas County Chamber
of Commerce website compared with the Ellensburg Chamber of
Commerce (16%), Rosyln (16%), Ellensburg Rodeo Association (15%),
Kittitas County Fair (12%), Vision Cle Elum (11%), Washington Scenic
Byways (10%), and Kittitas Valley Event Center (6%).
§ Expenditures – 69% of survey respondents planned to spend
more than $51 per average day on food and restaurants and 53% on
transportation and gas compared with hotel, motel, campground
(43%), other retail clothing and gifts (42%), bars and taverns (37%),
artworks and craft items (27%), other recreation (25%), performing
arts (22%), and boating related (19%).
16
4: Projections – of geotourism potentials
Kittitas County market area population projections
Kittitas County’s principal market area is deemed to be counties
best served by major roadways including Interstate 90 serving King
and Pierce Counties to the west and Grant County to the east, US-2
and US-97 serving Snohomish and Chelan Counties to the northwest
and Douglas County to the northeast, and Interstate 82 serving
Yakima and Benton Counties to the south.
§ Kittitas County population - increased from 9,704 persons in
1900 to 42,670 persons by 2015 fluctuating between a high of
10.3% average annual rate of growth between 1900-1910 to a low of
0.9% between 1970-1980. Washington State Office of Financial
Management (OFM) estimates Kittitas County will increase to a
population of 55,436 persons by the year 2040 averaging 1.2%
between 2015-2025 then declining to 0.9% by 2035-2040.
Population projections 2015-2040
County 2015 2040 2015 2040
Kittitas 42,592 55,436 1% 1%
King 2052,800 2,418,850 47% 45%
Grant 93,390 138,337 2% 3%
Snohomish 757,600 997,634 17% 19%
Pierce 830,120 1,042,341 19% 19%
Chelan 75,030 89,246 2% 2%
Yakima 249,970 318,494 6% 6%
Douglas 39,990 54,762 1% 1%
Benton 188,590 247,856 4% 5%
Total 4,380,684 5,362,956 100% 100%
Source: Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM)
§ Market area population - increased in the combined Kittitas,
King, Snohomish, Pierce, Chelan, Yakima, Douglas, and Benton
Counties from 221,541 persons in 1900 to 4,380,684 persons by
2015 fluctuating between a high of 9.8% average annual rate of
growth between 1900-1910 to a low of 1.2% between 1930-1940.
OFM estimates the combine market area will increase to a
population of 5,362,956 persons by the year 2040 averaging 0.7%
per year from 2015-2020 then declining to 0.7% by 2035-2040.
§ By market area jurisdiction in 2015 – King County has the
greatest proportion of market area population at 2,052,800 persons
or 47% of the total, then Pierce County at 830,120 or 19%,
Snohomish County at 757,600 or 17%, Yakima County at 249,970 or
6%, Benton County at 188,590 or 4%, Grant County at 93,930 or 2%,
Chelan County at 75,030 or 2%, Kittitas County at 42,592 or 1%, and
Douglas County at 39,990 or 1%.
17
18
§ By market area jurisdiction in 2040 – King County will have
the greatest proportion of market area population at 2,418,850
persons or 45% of the total, then Pierce County at 1,042,341 or 19%,
Snohomish County at 997,634 or 19%, Yakima County at 318,494 or
6%, Benton County at 247,856 or 5%, Grant County at 138,337 or 3%,
Chelan County at 89,246 or 2%, Kittitas County at 55,436 or 1%, and
Douglas County at 54,762 or 1%.
§ Website tourist survey residence – indicated 33% of survey
respondents primarily live in Puget Sound (Tacoma, Seattle, Everett)
and other Western Washington State (18%) for 51% total from the
west side of the state, Central Washington State (29%), Eastern
Washington State (12%), Oregon (3%), California (1%), other states in
the US (4%), and Canada (0.1%).
Implications:
The results of the website tourist survey generally reflect
population distributions within Washington State and possibly the
impact of major travel corridors on I-90 and US-2 to major
metropolitan areas in western Washington. Given the significantly
larger populations residing in western Washington, even minor
increases in tourist attraction from western Washington could easily
generate greater tourist visitation volumes than major increases
from the smaller populations in central and eastern Washington.
Washington State RCO SCORP surveys
Washington State’s Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO) develops
a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) every
6 years to help decision-makers better understand recreation issues
statewide and to maintain Washington’s eligibility for federal Land
and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) funds.
RCO conducted a series of 12-month diary surveys of a random
sample of Washington State residents in 2000, 2006, and 2012 to
determine the type of indoor and outdoor recreation activities
residents engaged in over the year including the resident’s age,
gender, ethnicity, income, and regional place of residence.
The RCO SCORP surveys recorded what residents participated in of
140 different indoor and outdoor activities and special spectator
events including the participation rate and number of occasions per
year by season, month, week, and type of environment (urban,
rural, mountain). The surveys did not record the location of the
activity.
In 2014, RCO commissioned a study to determine what participants
typically spend on an average day outing to support their activity
not including equipment purchases that could occur anytime or
anywhere other than the activity location during the year. The
study’s projected day outing expenses were based on metadata
from industry expenditure surveys for like categories of activities.
Washington State tourist oriented recreation activities in 2012
Activity Partic Freq $/day
Picnicking, barbequing, or cooking out 80.9% 20.5 $54.62
Walking without a pet 71.3% 97.8 $5.00
Wildlife viewing, photographing 59.0% 45.4 $44.87
Sightseeing 56.8% 15.2 $44.87
Hiking 53.9% 17.1 $44.87
Attending outdoor spectator events 53.7% na na
Walking with a pet 51.6% 97.8 $5.00
Driving for pleasure 51.2% na na
Camping 42.4% 10.6 $56.94
Attending outdoor concerts, plays 37.5% na na
Bicycle riding 36.9% 35.5 $44.87
Swimming in natural waters 35.7% 14.5 $19.80
Fishing or shellfishing 34.1% 15.0 $41.31
Boating – general, except whitewater 32.8% 15.1 $83.25
Beachcombing 32.6% 17.8 $44.87
Visiting nature interpretive center 29.2% 7.3 $44.87
Gathering/collecting things in nature 27.2% 13.5 $44.87
Shooting 17.4% 14.4 $58.42
Inner tubing or floating 17.1% 8.0 $43.93
Sledding, inner tubing, snow play 15.5% 5.5 $44.87
Off-roading for recreation 15.3% 25.7 $43.34
Walking with a pet – off leash dog park 11.5% 23.6 $5.00
Skiing downhill 10.4% 7.6 $151.26
Climbing or mountaineering 10.0% 9.2 $44.87
19
Hunting 9.4% 15.9 $58.42
Horseback riding 7.7% 31.9 $60.00
Water skiing 7.4% 8.7 $29.78
Snowboarding 7.1% 8.5 $151.26
Snowshoeing 6.7% 4.4 $44.87
Skiing cross country 4.5% 8.6 $51.51
Snorkeling 3.7% 9.4 $29.78
Ice skating 3.3% 2.7 na
Boating – whitewater rafting 2.8% 6.1 $126.60
Snowmobiling 2.7% 11.3 $43.34
ATV riding on snow or ice 2.4% 11.3 $43.34
Surfboarding 2.1% 6.1 $92.91
Scuba or skin diving 1.6% 13.3 $150.09
Flying gliders, ultralights, aircraft 1.5% 16.7 na
Wind surfing 1.0% 0.1 $92.91
Sky diving, parachuting from plane 0.8% 3.0 na
Bungee jumping 0.6% 2.3 na
Paragliding or hang gliding 0.2% 1.5 na
Hot air ballooning 0.2% 1.1 na
Taking chartered sightseeing flight 0.2% 6.8 na
Participation rate = percent of the population that participates in
the activity
Frequency = the number of times per year a participate engages in
the activity
Source: Outdoor Recreation Trends and Futures, RCO SCORP 2012
Survey
Source: Washington State RCO – Economic Analysis of Outdoor
Recreation in Washington State
§ Participation rates – were highest for picnicking, barbequing,
or cooking out (80.9% of the survey respondents) and walking
without a pet (71.3%) compared with taking a chartered sightseeing
flight (0.2%) or hot air ballooning (0.2%), or paragliding or hang
gliding (0.2%).
§ Frequencies – were highest for walking without and with a pet
(97.8 times per year) compared with hot air ballooning (1.1 times
per year).
§ Day outing expenditures – were highest for skiing downhill
and snowboarding ($151.26 per day outing), scuba or skin diving
($150.09), and boating whitewater rafting ($126.60) compared with
walking with or without a pet ($5.00).
§ Composite impacts – were highest for wildlife viewing or
photographing (59.0% participation x 45.4 times per year x $44.87
per day outing = $120,188), picnicking, barbequing or cooking out
(80.9%x20.5x$54.62=$90,584), and lowest for windsurfing
(1.0%x0.1x$92.91=$9.29) for a population of 100 people.
Kittitas County is located straddling 4 of the SCORP regions for
which the diary surveys were collated including the:
§ North Cascades - extending north through Chelan and
Okanogan and west through Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom
Counties
§ Seattle-King – including all of King County
§ South Central – including Yakima, Benton, Franklin, and Walla
Walla Counties
§ Columbia Plateau – including Douglas, Grant, Adams, and
Lincoln Counties
Participation rates for top 5 tourist oriented activities
Activity SeaKng NoCas SoCntl ColPlt
Picnicking, bbqing, cooking 78.3% 83.3% 84.2% 85.1%
Walking w/o pet 78.1% 67.6% 71.9% 65.3%
Wildlife viewing 58.1% 61.6% 49.9% 55.3%
Sightseeing 58.4% 61.8% 51.3% 54.7%
Hiking 57.8% 59.1% 43.8% 36.5%
Frequencies for top 5 tourist oriented activities
Activity SeaKng NoCas SoCntl ColPlt
Picnicking, bbqing, cooking 20.8 21.7 17.0 18.9
Walking w/o pet 97.9 102.3 95.5 71.9
Wildlife viewing 31.9 55.1 37.7 31.1
Sightseeing 14.3 15.4 17.1 12.1
Hiking 13.2 15.7 15.6 17.3
Source: Outdoor Recreation Trends and Futures, RCO SCORP 2012
Survey
Participation rates and frequencies vary significantly by region
depending on whether the region is located next to Puget Sound, in
20
western Washington, in or adjacent the Cascade Mountains, in
urban versus rural populations, with different age group
concentrations.
Estimated Kittitas County expenditures 2014-2040
Kittitas County’s tourist related recreation activity expenditures
were estimated from 2014 to 2020 and 2040 by comparing Kittitas
County’s composite (Seattle-King County, North Cascades, South
Central, and Columbia Plateau) market area population,
participation rates, and frequencies with that for Washington State
to determine Kittitas County’s draw or capture rate.
Kittitas County’s composite weighted average draw or capture rate
was determined by comparing the composite with the projections
for Washington State’s tourist related recreation activity potential
estimated in Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office
(RCO)’s 2012 Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in
Washington State. An index or ratio of 100% or higher indicates
21
Kittitas County is receiving a higher level of participation and
frequency use per person than is typical for the entire state while
less than 100% is below the Washington State average.
The projections exclude activity double count, where a respondent
may participate in two or more activities, and equipment
expenditures that occur anywhere inside or outside the reporting
region.
The projections do not assume geotourism recreation expenditure
ratios will change appreciably from 2014-2020 but will change
between 2014-2040 as populations increase in each of the four
regions contributing to Kittitas County’s weighted draw.
Geotourism expenditures 2040
Activity Draw Volume % total
Sightseeing 102.5% $8,167,000 6.1%
Visiting nature centers 94.6% $2,217,000 1.7%
Wildlife viewing/photo 94.6% $27,837,000 20.8%
Collecting in nature 108.3% $4,371,000 3.3%
Fishing/shellfishing 146.5% $7,583,000 5.7%
Swim natural waters 107.8% $2,707,000 2.0%
Windsurfing (incl behind boat) 155.7% $510,000 0.4%
Inner tubing/floating 81.4% $2,172,000 1.6%
Motorized boating 97.4% $7,646,000 5.7%
Non-motorized boating 87.6% $2,414,000 1.8%
Rafting including whitewater 89.0% $179,000 0.1%
Snowshoeing 118.9% $350,000 0.3%
Snowboarding 105.1% $3,187,000 2.4%
Skiing downhill 129.4% $5,136,000 3.8%
Cross-country skiing 158.6% $765,000 0.6%
ATV snow and ice 108.7% $313,000 0.2%
Hiking 89.3% $9,043,000 6.7%
Climbing/mountaineer 94.1% $951,000 0.7%
Camping 99.2% $7,392,000 5.5%
Bicycle riding total 118.0% $16,989,000 12.7%
Horseback riding total 89.2% $3,218,000 2.4%
Off-roading for recreation total 75.0% $3,130,000 2.3%
Hunting/shooting total 80.6% $3,926,000 2.9%
Picnic/BBQ/cooking outdoors 101.7% $12,966,000 9.7%
Note – includes activities comparable to RCO’s 2012 Economic
Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State
Source: ED Hovee & Company
§ Kittitas County’s highest 2040 weighted average draws or
captures – include cross-country skiing (158.6% of Washington
State’s average per person participation), then windsurfing (155.7%),
fishing (146.5%), skiing downhill (129.4%), snowshoeing (118.9%),
and bicycle riding of all kinds (118.0%) compared with the lowest
captures for surfboarding (57.8%).
§ Kittitas County’s greatest 2040 day-trip expenditure volumes
– consist of wildlife viewing and photographing ($27,837,000),
bicycle riding of all kinds ($16,989,000), and picnicking,
barbequing, and cooking outdoors ($12,966,000) compared with the
lowest expenditures for surfboarding ($169,000) and rafting
($179,000).
§ Kittitas County’s greatest percent of all 2040 expenditures –
includes wildlife viewing and photographing (20.8%), bicycle riding
of all kinds (12.7%), and picnicking, barbequing, and cooking
outdoors (9.7%) compared with the lowest percentages for surf
boarding (0.1%) and rafting (0.1%).
Implications
Expenditure projections partly reflect the different participation
rates between activities, with niche activities with low participation
rates like surfboarding and rafting generating low expenditure
volumes, and partly the geographic location of sites with
characteristics supportive of the activity, like skiing and fishing.
The projections do not distinguish between geotourism activities
that are already attracting a high percentage of the participants of
the activity, like skiing or fishing, however, from geotourism
activities with high potential participation and expenditure volumes
which Kittitas County has not established a strong market draw of
capture.
22
23
Web-based visitor survey follow-ups
The web-based survey collected of visitors to the Cle Elum,
Ellensburg, and Kittitas County Chambers of Commerce as well as
through postcard handouts and other printed materials at various
locations throughout the county generated 359 responses (see
Chapter 3 and Appendix A). Survey respondents indicated their
areas of geotourism interest (historical, cultural, environmental,
agriculture, and recreation) and their interest in receiving more
detailed information on each interest area.
Would like more information on: Yes Return Percent
Historical 93 20 22%
Cultural 109 32 29%
Environmental 48 11 23%
Agriculture 53 16 30%
Recreation 75 19 25%
Total 378 98 26%
Note: most respondents had more than one interest area.
Follow-up surveys were conducted for each geotourism interest that
included the mapped destinations and attractions shown in Chapter
6 following along with specific questions whether the additional
information would generate an increased interest in visiting Kittitas
County.
Will you visit Kittitas County more now that you are aware of the
extent of destinations and attractions in your geotourism area of
interest?
Historical tourists No Maybe Yes
Historical districts and landmarks 0% 40% 60%
Barns and farmsteads 15% 65% 20%
Historic railroads and roads 16% 32% 53%
Mining sites 15% 40% 45%
Logging areas and sites 26% 47% 26%
Museums and Native American sites 0% 65% 35%
Interpretive centers, kiosks, trails 10% 60% 30%
Cultural tourists No Maybe Yes
Barn quilts 25% 44% 31%
Art galleries, studios, performances 6% 44% 50%
Museums and Native American sites 16% 31% 53%
Interpretive centers, kiosks, trails 6% 52% 42%
Environmental tourists No Maybe Yes
Public lands 0% 45% 55%
Unique wildlife habitat areas 0% 45% 55%
Extent of wildlife species 0% 45% 55%
Interpretive centers, kiosks, trails 9% 45% 45%
Agricultural tourists No Maybe Yes
Farms, markets, and produce stands 7% 33% 60%
Wineries and breweries 13% 44% 44%
Barn quilts 13% 63% 25%
Recreational tourists No Maybe Yes
Winter trails 32% 32% 37%
Water trails/boating access 11% 42% 47%
Horse trails 63% 26% 11%
Hiking trails 16% 32% 53%
Mountain bike trails 47% 26% 26%
Off-road vehicle (ORV) trails 63% 21% 16%
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails 63% 21% 16%
Dog trails and hotels that allow dogs 16% 42% 42%
Picnic facilities – groups 11% 44% 44%
Tent and RV campgrounds 26% 26% 47%
Fishing access sites 16% 32% 53%
Hunting and shooting sites 63% 21% 16%
Note: some attractions, like museums, and interpretive centers were
applicable to more than one geotourism interest.
§ Geotourism activities generating MOST likely visitation after
being provided information on Kittitas County attractions –
include historical districts and landmarks (60% of the follow-up
respondents will visit more now that aware of attractions), farms,
famers’ markets, and produce stands (60%), public lands (55%),
wildlife habitat areas (55%), extent of wildlife species (55%), fishing
access sites (53%), museums and Native American sites (53%),
historical railroads and roads (53%), hiking trails (53%), art galleries,
studios, and performances (50%) suggesting that outreach will be
most effective for these attractions since they do not know or
24
have not visited these destinations. The expenditure projections
indicate these activities also generate the largest potential
expenditure volumes in Kittitas County through 2040.
§ Geotourism activities generating LEAST likely visitation after
being provided information on Kittitas County attractions –
include horse trails (11%), off-road vehicle (ORV) trails (16%), all-
terrain vehicles (ATV) trails (16%), hunting and shooting sites (16%),
barns and farmsteads (20%), and barn quilts (25%) suggesting that
participants of these activities currently know of Kittitas County
attractions suggesting that outreach will be least effective for
these attractions since they know or have already frequented
these destinations. The expenditure projections indicate these
activities also generate the least potential expenditure volumes
in Kittitas County through 2040.
25
5: Assets – geotourism destinations and attractions
Geotourism maps were developed from a database of recreation and
culture created by Manastash Mapping for Washington Hometown
Project. The detailed inventory in Appendix H is indexed to the
following map graphics.
The data was drawn from numerous public sources and from
interviews with recreation managers and user groups including
Kittitas County, Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Washington State
Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC - State Parks), Departments of
Fish & Wildlife (DFW), Natural Resources (DNR), Transportation
(WSDOT), and History & Archaeology (DHAP), US Forest Service
(USFS), and various private and nonprofit agencies including
Suncadia, Forterra, Mountain to Sound Greenway, among others (see
Appendix H).
Two classes of data were integrated to create the maps – spatial
data, which is the actual geometry of the recreation points, lines
and areas; and attribute data, which is the information about each
place.
26
Environmental assets
27
28
29
30
31
Agriculture assets
32
33
34
35
36
Recreational assets
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Heritage assets
49
50
51
52
53
54
Cultural assets
55
56
57
58
Supporting facilities
59
60
6: Goals – to further geotourism opportunities
The following principals will guide the conservation and
development of geotourism resources In Kittitas County:
§ Goal 1: Develop integrity of place - enhance Kittitas County’s
geographical character by developing and improving the
environment, agriculture, recreation, heritage, and culture in
distinctive ways to differentiate Kittitas County from other areas
and to engender local community pride.
§ Goal 2: Be market selective - encourage growth in tourism
market segments most likely to appreciate, respect, and
disseminate information about the distinctive assets of Kittitas
County including environmental, agricultural, heritage, and cultural
segments that are not as currently well known and frequented as
recreational.
§ Goal 3: Diversify market opportunities - encourage a full
range of appropriate food and lodging facilities including hotel,
motel, bed-and-breakfast, home-stay, farm-stay, and campground to
appeal to the entire demographic spectrum of the geotourism
market and to maximize Kittitas County’s economic resiliency over
both the short and long term.
§ Goal 4: Satisfy tourists – fully and effectively utilize social
media to ensure that satisfied, excited geotourists bring new
vacation stories home and send friends off to experience the same
opportunities thereby providing continuing demand for Kittitas
County destinations.
§ Goal 5: Involve the community - base tourism on local Kittitas
County community resources to the extent possible, encouraging
local small businesses and civic groups to build partnerships to
promote and provide a distinctive, honest visitor experience and
market Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and other locales effectively.
Help businesses develop approaches to tourism that build on the
County’s nature, history and culture, including food and drink,
famers’ markets, artisans, performance arts, etc.
§ Goal 6: Benefit the community - encourage micro- to medium-
size enterprises and tourism business strategies that emphasize
economic and social benefits to Kittitas County involved
communities including Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ellensburg, especially
poverty alleviation, clearly communicating the stewardship policies
required to maintain these benefits.
§ Goal 7: Protect and enhance destination appeal - encourage
Kittitas County businesses to sustain natural habitats, heritage
sites, aesthetic appeal, and local culture. Prevent degradation by
keeping volumes of tourists within maximum acceptable limits.
Seek business models that can operate profitably within these
limits. Use persuasion, incentives, and legal enforcement as needed.
§ Goal 8: Guide land use - anticipate development pressures and
designate major self-contained tourism attractions, such as large-
scale theme parks where unrelated to the character of place, to be
sited or provided supporting services in locations with no
significant ecological, scenic, or cultural assets.
§ Goal 9: Conserve resources - encourage businesses to
minimize water pollution, solid waste, energy consumption, water
usage, landscaping chemicals, and overly bright nighttime lighting
advertising these measures in ways that attract the large,
environmentally sympathetic tourist market.
§ Goal 10: Proactively plan - recognize and respect immediate
economic needs without sacrificing long-term character and the
geotourism potential of Kittitas County destinations. Diversify the
economy to sustainable levels and adopt public strategies for
mitigating practices that are incompatible with geotourism and
damaging to the image of the county’s unique and multiple
destinations.
§ Goal 11: Interpret interactively - engage visitors and hosts in
learning about Kittitas County assets and encourage residents to
61
present the environmental, agricultural, recreational, heritage, and
cultural assets of Kittitas County communities, so that tourists gain
a richer experience and residents develop pride in their locales.
§ Goal 12: Evaluate - establish an evaluation process to be
conducted on a regular basis by Kittitas County Board of
Commissioners (BOCC) and the Consolidated Lodging Tax Advisory
Committee (LTAC) to represent stakeholder interests and publicize
evaluation results.
62
7: Actions – to implement geotourism potentials
The following action tasks were identified from the results of the
visitor and follow-up surveys, Cle Elum and Ellensburg workshops,
public open houses, and tourism data. While the proposed actions
are comprehensive, the action tasks are not inclusive of all
possible options that may implement Kittitas County tourism
potentials or that could be submitted and funded under annual
competitive lodging tax infrastructure project applications.
Environmental
tourism
Action
1:
Open
space
network/regional
trail
projects
Strategic objective Priority
Develop a regional trail systems plan and projects for
the entire county for:
§ Water, snow (including x-country skiing and
snowshoeing), horse, hike, bike, dog, and
motorized (trail bikes, ATV, ORV) trail networks
- distinguishing acceptable users for each section
§ Public and user defined trail linkages - on public
lands and links across private lands where
permissible
§ Trail skill level designation signs and services -
for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users
including handicap accessible and physically
limited users
§ Trail services - including access sites and
trailheads with kiosks, directories, water and
sanitation stations, emergency response linkages
§ Trail maintenance and life cycle schedules - for
trail surfaces, structures, signage, and other
supporting facilities
§ Campsites – for bad weather layovers and
overnight for water, bike, and horse camping, tent
and RV, and soft camping services
§ Backcountry services – including
portable/chemical toilets, weekend trash and
garbage collection sites, web cams and wifi to
illustrate trail conditions
High
Lead agent Potential participants
Kittitas County Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Kittitas
County Chamber of Commerce, Nature
Conservancy, Trust for Public Lands,
Audubon Society, Yakama Indian
Nation, Heritage Club, Suncadia,
Mountains to Sound, USFS, DNR, DFW,
WA Parks & Recreation Commission
Project-specific performance measures
# key trail links completed
# additional miles of all trail types developed
# trailheads added or enhanced with parking, kiosks,
directories, water, sewer, emergency
# additional campsites, including specialty campsites,
added
# backcountry services added or enhanced
Action
2:
Natural
area
access
and
interpretation
Strategic objective Priority
Create access sites, interpretive facilities, and exhibits
to showcase unique natural areas and habitats for:
§ Natural events - including ice age floodways and
channels, volcanic deposits, wildfire burn areas
§ Unique ecological areas - including old growth
forests, native plants, and unique flora and fauna
§ Wildlife viewing and photographing areas -
including seasonal migration routes, nesting, and
foraging areas of birds and animals
§ Fish hatcheries and fishing sites - on lakes,
rivers, and streams with boat launch ramps and
bank access
§ Hunting ranges and jump-off sites - for fowl,
small and large animals
High
Lead agent Potential participants
Kittitas County Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Nature
Conservancy, USFS, DNR, DFW, WA
Parks & Recreation Commission, WSDOT
63
Project-specific performance measures
# key access sites provided trailhead parking
# provided with kiosks, water, restroom, trash, and
emergency response services
Agriculture
tourism
Action
3:
Agriculture
access
and
interpretation
Strategic objective Priority
Develop facilities, exhibits, and signage to showcase:
§ Farmers’ markets and seasonal farm festival
sites - in Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ellensburg
§ Working farmsteads - heritage, family, organic,
u-pick farms, farm stays, and B&Bs
§ Wineries and vineyards - including incubators,
tasting facilities, and competitions at Farmers’
Markets, Kittitas County Fair, and other venues
§ Teaching and demonstration kitchens – on
organic, natural, and local foods and products at
Kittitas County Fairgrounds, CWU, and other
venues
§ Barn quilt tour – signage and directories to
barns featuring quilting artworks
Moderate
Lead agent Potential participants
To be determined
(TBD)
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, CWU, WSU
Agriculture Extension Service, Farmers’
Markets, Kittitas County Chamber of
Commerce, in conjunction with individual
farmers
Project-specific performance measures
@ facilities established and published on county, city, CWU,
WSU, and other websites
Action
4:
Kittitas
Valley
Event
Center
(Fair
and
Rodeo
grounds)
Master
Plan
implementation
Strategic objective Priority
Expand and develop the Kittitas Event Center in
accordance with the adopted master plan for:
§ Livestock barns and arenas - to support more
livestock showings and events and allow future
concurrent scheduling of horse and all other
High
livestock fairs
§ Food court relocation to Memorial Park - to
support more food vendors with playground,
grassy gathering areas, and entertainment stages
§ Theme vendor corridor improvement - from
livestock barns to the Armory to allow more
vendors and provide power, water services that
are usable during off-fair season for RV camping
§ Frontier Village reconfiguration - to create a
larger central focus and performing area with
additional structures including a church
§ Northeast and northwest rodeo stadium
redevelopment - to expand capacity including box
seats with integrated access between bleachers
and incorporated restroom and concessions
§ Consolidated entryway/boardwalk - aligned with
Maple Avenue and extending from University Way
into the rodeo arena bleachers and around the
horse track to access all fair and rodeo events
§ Gateway/portal structure - on the
entryway/boardwalk with ground floor ticketing
offices, museum, vendor stores and upper floor
meeting and party room, sponsor lounge and bar,
and administration offices
§ Rodeo concessions - added on the realigned
ground level entries to the rodeo stadiums and
arenas to support more food services
§ Indoor multipurpose arena - with up to 4,000
seats for car-truck-RV-boat shows, major livestock,
and tractor competitions
§ Indoor exhibition hall - with kitchen, stage,
plasma screens, and seating for 2,000 for major
music performances, speaker presentations,
vendor exhibitions
§ Stalling barns - with up to 230 stalls for livestock
and horses performing in the indoor multipurpose
arena and Rodeo arena
§ Bowling Alley retrofit as a Festival Hall - with
historical exhibits, stage, dance floor, plasma
screens, bar, commercial kitchen for corporate
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meetings and presentations, parties, and weddings
§ Yakama Tribal Village – expansion to include
covered performance and exhibition space, 47+
tepee sites, and restroom and shower facilities
§ RV Park – for 33 full-service pull-through
campsites with power, water, wifi, and clubhouse
with laundromat and meeting room on the site of
the existing mobile home park
§ Consolidated parking lot – with integrated RV
stalls for exhibitors and up to 922 cars for fair,
rodeo, and special event attendees – a portion of
which could be used for the relocation of the
carnival for better visibility from University Way
Lead agent Potential participants
Kittitas County Ellensburg Rodeo, Ellensburg Rodeo
Hall of Fame, Kittitas County Fair
Board, Kittitas County 4-H Clubs,
Yakama Indian Nation, Kittitas County
Chamber of Commerce, CWU, City of
Ellensburg, user groups
Project-specific performance measures
@ date master plan adopted
@ date rodeo arena stadiums, 4-H barns, parking lot and
temporary RV sites, Alder Streetscape and Promenade
completed
@ date mobile home park acquired and redeveloped for RV
Park and Yakama Tribe gathering site
@ date Frontier Village reconfigured and commons and
stage completed
Recreational
tourism
Action
5:
Washington
State
Horse
Park
(a
City
of
Cle
Elum
property)
Master
Plan
Strategic objective Priority
Complete key master plan improvements including:
§ 140x300 foot covered arena with bleachers
§ permanent restrooms
§ trail linkages on and off-site with regional trail
network
High
Lead agent Potential participants
Cle Elum Washington State Horse Park,
Washington State Legislature,
Washington State Parks & Recreation
Commission, Kittitas County Chamber
of Commerce, Suncadia, and in
conjunction with equestrian user
groups
Project-specific performance measures
@ date funding approved and key improvements completed
Action
6:
Regional
athletic
competition
facilities
Strategic objective Priority
Improve regional athletic field bleachers, concessions,
on-site water and restroom services, RV parking and
camping at competitive athletic facilities in:
§ Roslyn
§ Cle Elum
§ Ellensburg
Low
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum,
Ellensburg
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg Parks and
Public Works Departments, Kittitas
County Chamber of Commerce, in
conjunction with athletic leagues and
sponsors
Project-specific performance measures
# enhancement projects completed increasing tournament
potentials
# tournaments scheduled per year as result of
improvements
Action
7:
Gun
and
archery
range
Strategic objective Priority
Develop facilities and programs to teach and practice
gun and archery safety for hunting, recreation,
training, competition, and law enforcement agency
certification purposes
Low
Lead agent Potential participants
Kittitas County Kittitas County Sheriff, Roslyn, Cle
Elum, and Ellensburg Police
Departments, Kittitas County Field &
65
Stream Club, Cascade Field & Stream
Club, RMEF, NRA
Project-specific performance measures
# additional range firing positions added to inventory
Heritage
tourism
Action
8:
Historic
district
designation
and
interpretation
Strategic objective Priority
Restore, access, and install signage, plaques, and
directories of significant historical sites and
landmarks for preservation, restoration, and public
interpretation and access including:
§ Cemeteries and burial areas - in Ronald, Roslyn,
Cle Elum, Thorpe, and Ellensburg
§ Railroad spurs, main lines, and depots - in
mining and logging areas as well as Roslyn, Cle
Elum, and Ellensburg
§ Coal and gold mining areas and sites - in upper
county including Ronald, Roslyn, and Cle Elum
§ Logging areas and sites - in Ronald, Roslyn, Cle
Elum, and Liberty
§ Heritage barns and farmsteads - throughout the
upper and lower county
§ Commercial and industrial buildings - in Roslyn,
Cle Elum, and Ellensburg
§ Public buildings including schools - in Roslyn,
Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and CWU campus
§ Residential homes and neighborhoods - in
Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ellensburg
High
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum,
Ellensburg, and Kittitas
County
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Kittitas
County, and Suncadia Historical
Museums and Societies, Washington
State Department of Archaeology &
Historic Preservation (DAHP), DNR,
Thorpe Interpretation Center, Roslyn
Cemetery, Washington State Parks &
Recreation Commission, CWU and
WSU Agricultural Extension Service,
Kittitas County Chamber of
Commerce in conjunction with
private property owners
Project-specific performance measures
@ date districts designated
# additional historical landmarks added to local, state, and
national directories/websites
# significant historical sites restored and renovated
# kiosks, directories, brochures, website tour signage
developed, installed, and promoted
Action
9:
Interpretive
facilities
and
exhibits
Strategic objective Priority
Develop interpretive facilities, directories, plaques,
photos, maps, and equipment or artifacts for:
§ Natural events - including the ice age floods,
volcanic flows, and wildfires
§ Geological formations - and other natural
phenomena
§ Railroading - including logging and mining spurs,
main lines, depots, and the converted Iron Horse
State Park/John Wayne Trail and tunnels
§ Mining - deposits, mine entries, shafts, spoils, and
other artifacts
§ Logging areas and sites - including old-growth
forests
§ Agricultural areas, farms, and barns - including
heritage farms as well as organic, u-pick,
vineyards, and Barn Quilts displays
§ Public works – including irrigation canals and
waterworks, solar and wind energy farms and
structures
§ Historic landmarks and buildings - in designated
commercial, industrial, and residential districts
and neighborhoods
§ Historic cemetery - plots, grounds, tombstones,
and other improvements associated with
settlements, mining, railroads, and ethnic and
cultural groups
High
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Washington State Department of
66
Ellensburg, Kittitas
County, Washington
State Parks &
Recreation Commission
Archaeology & Historic Preservation
(DAHP), DNR, Thorpe Interpretation
Center, Roslyn Cemetery, Kittitas
County History Museum, CWU and WSU
Agricultural Extension Service, BNSF,
Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce,
in conjunction with private property
owners
Project-specific performance measures
# facilities, directories, brochures, website tour signage
developed, installed, and promoted
Action
10:
Museums
Strategic objective Priority
Expand and/or acquire building space and expand
permanent and temporary exhibitions of
photographs, clothing, equipment, and other
artifacts in permanent quarters including
performance and presentation areas in the:
§ Roslyn Museum (private)
§ Cle Elum Carpenter House, Telephone Museum
§ Thorpe Mill Interpretation Center
§ Kittitas County Museum in Ellensburg
§ as well as in scattered sites or structures with
historical or interpretive potential and visibility
throughout the county
Moderate
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum,
Ellensburg, Kittitas
County
Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ellensburg
History Museums and Historical
Societies, Kittitas County Chamber of
Commerce, Washington State Parks &
Recreation Commission, Department of
Archaeology & Historic Preservation
(DAHP), Ellensburg Rodeo Museum,
Yakama Indian Nation, Telephone
Museum
Project-specific performance measures
# additional facilities, exhibits, kiosks, brochures, websites,
and events developed, installed, and promoted
Action
11:
Public
streetscape
tourism
enhancements
Strategic objective Priority
Develop and enhance public performance spaces,
interpretive exhibits, kiosks and directories,
artworks, and restrooms of benefit to tourists in:
§ Roslyn downtown historic district
§ Cle Elum downtown historic district
§ Ellensburg downtown historic district
Moderate
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum, and
Ellensburg Public Works
Departments
Ellensburg Downtown Association, Cle
Elum and Roslyn Downtown
Associations, Vantage, Kittitas, Easton,
Thorp, Ronald, Snoqualmie Pass, and
Liberty in conjunction with private
property and business owners
Project-specific performance measures
@ streetscape tourism enhancements designed, funded, and
completed
Action
12:
Downtown
Ellensburg/CWU
corridor
tourism
enhancements
Strategic objective Priority
Enhance walking/biking connection between
downtown Ellensburg and CWU of benefit to students,
parents, and tourists with public streetscape
enhancements including kiosks, directories, and
artwork.
Low
Lead agent Potential participants
Ellensburg Public Works
Department
CWU, Ellensburg Downtown
Association, Kittitas County Chamber
of Commerce
Project-specific performance measures
@ streetscape tourism enhancements designed, funded, and
completed
Cultural
tourism
Action
13:
Native
American
interpretative
centers
and
exhibits
67
Strategic objective Priority
Create facilities and exhibits of generalized (not site
specific) permanent and seasonal village, hunting,
fishing, and trading areas with descriptive histories,
languages, life styles, clothing, equipment, and
livestock of the confederated Yakama Nation and
other tribes that frequented the county including:
§ Yakama Tribe’s Rodeo - annual summers-end
trading goods, dance performances, and horse
competitions leading to the development of the
Ellensburg Rodeo arena, hilltop overlook and
trail, and grounds
§ CWU Longhouse - exhibition and educational
facility
Moderate
Lead agent Potential participants
Yakama Indian Nation,
CWU
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and
Kittitas County Museums and Historical
Societies, Washington State Department
of Archaeology & Historical Preservation
(DAHP)
Project-specific performance measures
# additional facilities, exhibits, kiosks, and events
developed and promoted
Action
14:
Art
installations
Strategic objective Priority
Install public art including barn quilts, murals,
sculpture parks, and art walk installations at:
§ Roslyn
§ Cle Elum
§ Ellensburg
§ Kittitas County Event Center
§ CWU campus
§ Barn Quilt Tour
Moderate
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum,
Ellensburg, Kittitas
County
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg Museums,
Chambers of Commerce, CWU, Kittitas
Special Event Center in conjunction
with private galleries and artist studios
Project-specific performance measures
# additional art facilities, exhibits, and events developed
and promoted
Action
15:
Music,
dance,
and
drama
performance
facilities
Strategic objective Priority
Develop public performance areas including
amphitheaters and stages, permanent and temporary
outdoor festival stages, dinner theaters, festival and
party hall stages, at:
§ Roslyn
§ Cle Elum
§ Ellensburg
§ Kittitas County Event Center
§ CWU campus
Moderate
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum,
Ellensburg, CWU,
Kittitas Event Center
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, CWU,
Kittitas Valley Event Center, Kittitas
County Chamber of Commerce in
conjunction with theater and drama
groups, music and dance groups, talent
booking agents
Project-specific performance measures
# additional music, dance, and drama performance facilities
and events
Supporting
facilities
Action
16:
Wayfinding
signage
Strategic objective Priority
Install wayfinding signage on I-90, SR-97, and other
state, county, and city roadways to major tourist
destinations including:
§ Historic barns and farms - including the Quilt
Trail
§ Historic districts - in Roslyn, Cle Elum, and
Ellensburg
§ Recreation sites - including Olmstead Place State
Park, Washington State Horse Park (City of Cle
Elum property)
And resolving wayfinding through troublesome or
High
68
confusing sites including:
§ Roslyn roundabout
§ Ellensburg I-90 exits
Lead agent Potential participants
Kittitas County Public
Works Department and
WSDOT
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg Public
Works Departments, Suncadia, USFS,
DNR, DFW, WA Parks & Recreation
Commission, Kittitas County Chamber
of Commerce
Project-specific performance measures
# wayfinding signs installed to major destinations and
attractions
Action
17:
Visitor
centers
Strategic objective Priority
Develop visitor centers including electronic kiosks and
directories with digital QR codes for phone and tablet
apps accessing on-line materials produced by CWU
and other organizations highlighting significant
natural and heritage events including the ice age
floods, volcanic eruptions, native settlements, mining,
logging, farming, and other settlements at:
§ Teanaway Community Forest
§ Suncadia/Roslyn
§ Upper County - Plum Creek Warehouse
§ Cle Elum
§ Yakima Canyon
§ Ellensburg
§ Olmstead Place State Park
§ Vantage
§ Other significant environmental, agricultural,
recreational, heritage, and cultural sites and
facilities
High
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum,
Ellensburg, Kittitas
County
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg
Chambers of Commerce, Suncadia,
NPS, USFS, DNR, DFW, WA Parks &
Recreation Commission
Project-specific performance measures
# visitor/interpretive centers developed at major
destinations and attractions
# kiosks and directories installed at major destinations and
attractions
Action
18:
Public
parking
lots
Strategic objective Priority
Designate, improve, and sign public parking lots in
the downtown districts and other major tourist
destination sites in:
§ Roslyn
§ Cle Elum
§ Ellensburg
§ Kittitas
§ Rural areas and unincorporated towns of Kittitas
County
Moderate
Lead agent Potential participants
Roslyn, Cle Elum,
Ellensburg
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg Public
Works Departments
Project-specific performance measures
# additional off-street parking lot spaces created at major
destinations
Project specific performance measures
The following performance measures will apply to all capital related
projects to be funded under Kittitas County’s lodging tax:
Project-specific performance measures
# additional tourists accessing sites as result of project
$ additional tourism dollars spent as result of project
$ additional tourism related jobs created by project
% attraction visitors and users like project results
% residents like project results
% project improves public health, safety, and nuisance
Kittitas County capital project applications
The Kittitas County Consolidated Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
(LTAC) and Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will update the
annual lodging tax capital project application rating process and
69
criteria to generate lists of capital facility projects (CFP) reflecting
the results of and implementing this Tourism Infrastructure Plan.