Some links and remarks on the ecotourism trend in this area…

Tourist’s guide — State-provided list of attractions for the eco-minded. Not sure how “panning for gold” made the cut, there…

Washington Post article on Eastern Shore ecotourism — Very promising description of eco-touring in the “spawning stage,” with revealing quotes from locals and officials. I liked the one environmental worker pointing out that “if we’re going to protect this stuff, it’s important to show why it’s economically viable to do so.

A South American site with a strong definition of ecotourism — including what should and shouldn’t be considered “green.”

To my eyes, the whole thing is a bit of a mixed bag. Clearly if we’re going to protect the Chesapeake and our local wildlife, they have to be seen as “resources” — which means someone’s going to be making money on them. On the other hand, how many of these tours are really going the extra mile to have a low environmental impact? The Ocean City area seems to be full of “nature” tours, cruises and boat charters, and I encourage everyone to take part in them — but I encourage even more that tourists do their research first.

The MD Angler website, at mdangler.net, for promoting environmentally conscious fishing practices and raising awareness with blog posts about fish conservation and other issues in addition to pointing out upcoming tournaments and how-to tips. The site promotes catch-and-release, awareness of the ecosystem’s unique properties, and all that other stuff that too frequently gets shrugged off as not manly enough for ye olde outdoorsy fisherman/hunter. If you grew up in Maryland like I did, you probably had the field trip to the wetlands, too, complete with the lectures and readings about MD’s incredible estuaries and the various sticky points around the subject of conserving them. It made me feel the way I still feel today — that this is an amazing place to live. It’s good to see people keeping that spirit alive in those way too old to giggle at squishy wetland footsteps.

From the Ocean City tourism board website:

8th Annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets
Ocean City Boardwalk

Popular annual event for people and their “best friends”. Walk the 2 1/2 or 5 mile course. Prizes for top fundraisers. Benefits Worcester Co. Humane Society. Begins at Inlet. Saturday, 9 a.m.- noon. Rain or shine. For more information or to make arrangements to walk a shelter dog, 410-213-0146.

Come on, who didn’t know that I’d post about this? I simply cannot resist an event that features adorable pets AND benefits the Humane Society. Hope to see you there!