Ecotourism in the United States
Encyclopedia
Ecotourism
in the United States
is commonly practiced in protected areas such as national parks and nature reserve
s, with the help of the United States National Park Service
. The principles and behaviors of ecotourism are slowly becoming more widespread in the United States; for example, hotels in some regions strive to be more sustainable.
and the Smokey Mountain range separates the Northeast region into three different areas: the Appalachian Plateaus west of the mountain range, the Mountain ranges themselves, and the Piedmont Plateau and coastal plains. The entire region is known to have cold winters and warm summers, leading to a winter deciduous forest dominated by tall broadleaf species. The vegetation is separated into three distinct associations: Appalachian oak, pine-oak, and mixed mesophytic. The mixed mesophytic is found on the Appalachian Plateaus and has a great diversity of vegetative species, including American beech, tuliptree (or yellow-poplar), several basswoods, sugar maple, sweet buckeye, red oak, white oak, and eastern hemlock. The pine-oak forests are found along the sandy Coastal Plains and have a think shrub understory. The Appalachian oak forests are found east of the mountains and in mid-range elevations and are dominated by white oak and northern red oak. The upper elevations of the mountains also have a distinct northeastern hardwood forest where species such as birch, beech, maple, elm, red oak, and basswood, hemlock and white pine can all be found. The highest elevation points are vegetated mainly by spruce-fir forest and meadows. The Adirondack Mountains in the far northeast of the United States are part of the Eastern forest-boreal transition
zone between the boreal forests of the north and the deciduous forests of the south. Here a mixture of red spruce, fir, birch, maple, and beech are found.
The mammal species found throughout the Northeast United States are similar to those of the Southeast and include whitetail deer, black bear, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, eastern chipmunk, white-footed mouse, pine vole, and cotton mouse. The Northeast has a very abundant bird population. Common game birds found in the region are turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, and mourning dove. Other non-game birds found in abundance include the cardinal, Carolina wren, wood thrush, summer tanager, red-eyed vireo, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and tufted titmouse. In the mountain range other commonly found species include red-breasted nuthatches, black-throated green warblers, golden-crowned warblers, flickersworm-eating warblers, brilliant hooded warbler, golden-crowned kinglets, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpeckers, Louisiana waterthrush, wood thrush, ovenbird, summer tanager, and rose-breasted grosbeak. Common reptiles are the box turtle, common garter snake, timber rattlesnake, and 27 different species of salamanders. Species that are unique to the Adirondack Mountain range habitat are longtail shrew, boreal (southern) redback vole, gray-cheeked thrush, spruce grouse, and gray jay.
, Smokey, and Adirondack
), ample coastlines, and the diversity of wildlife species, especially bird species, allow for many opportunities in ecotourism to develop. Some examples of ecotourism opportunities in the Northeastern United States are:
Whitetail deer are the only large indigenous mammals found in the Southeast, with the exception of small, isolated populations of black bear and the endangered Florida panther. Many small mammals inhabit this region including raccoons, fox squirrels, eastern gray squirrels, foxes, cottontail rabbits, armadillos and opossums. Bobwhite and wild turkey are the main game bird that can be found in the region. Other very common birds found in the Southeast are mourning doves, pine warbler, cardinal, summer tanager, Carolina wren, ruby-throated hummingbird, blue jay, hooded warbler, eastern towhee, and tufted titmouse. Many non-game migratory birds and migratory waterfowl are common as well. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is also native to the region. Numerous species of amphibians can be found here as well, including the American alligator, fench and glass lizards, salamanders. The forest snake species found include cottonmouth moccasin, copperhead, rough green snake, rat snake, coachwhip, and speckled kingsnake. Manatees are found in estuaries and channels throughout the state. Coral reefs serve as habitat for many tropical fish species.
Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) offers bird watching tour trips throughout South Florida, Arkansas, and Missouri, as well as elsewhere in the world. VENT is a strong advocate of supporting local conservation organizations, using local drivers and guides, and using in-country tourism operators throughout their tours.
The Sierra Club offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures throughout the United States with a mission to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. Their Southeastern trips include canoe, kayak, and camping trips through Georgia and Florida.
The Atachafalaya National Heritage Area in Baton Rouge, Louisiana offers a look into one of the most culturally rich and ecologically varied region of the United States.
Florida Trail Association is a nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and protects the 1,400 mile Florida Trail, one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the United States, while also providing educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida, as well as recreational opportunities for hiking and camping.
Tarpon Bay Explorers is a long time member of the International Ecotourism Society and operates in the J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Florida to provide educational wildlife watching tours along with canoeing/kayaking tours and other recreational opportunities.
Woods & Water Ecotours offer snowshoe hikes along Lake Huron, cave tours in Michigan, and kayaking ventures on the lake.
To protect the Great Plains wildlife, the American Prairie Foundation
has established the American Prairie Reserve
in Montana. It aims to restore bison, prairie dogs, and ferrets in the area. By restoring the prairies, the Foundation aims to improve enjoyment of the land and incur economic benefits through tourism to the area.
Important game birds are ruffed grouse and blue grouse. Other non-game bird species found in this region are winter wren, Townsend's warbler, chestnut-backed chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, and Spotted owl and marbled murrelet which rely on the old growth forests found in this region. The Pacific treefrog, Pacific giant salamander, Alligator lizard, and rubber boa can also be found here.
Whitewater rafting in this region's large rivers is a very popular activity and one that helps people understand the role of rivers without causing pollution or harming local wildlife populations. Rogue River (Oregon), Flathead River (Montana), Salmon River (Idaho) and the Snake River (Wyoming) provide world class whitewater rafting for the any skill level.
Glacier National Park offers well preserved natural areas for bird watching and wildlife.
The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians is an organization set up by the local Indians of the region to promote their culture and offer nature based tourism in this region. This organization covers the tribes in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. They offer traditional Powwows, hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching and rafting. They teach visitors century old traditions and techniques of tribal life and how they choose to preserve the land and wildlife stocks.
OC Wildlife & Beach Tour Inc. offers bird and wildlife watching opportunities along with teaching about conservation and preservation of wildlife and the environment.
Whale watching in Big Sur concentrates on the endangered humpback whale. The local population of humpback whale is estimated at 800 individuals, many of whom are seen near the Monterey Bay area. Visitors on boats are treated to incredible experiences as the whales circle the boats while 'investigating' the crafts. Experts say these encounters tend to last longer every year as the whales become more accustomed and less fearful of visitors.
Ecotourism in California has also reached the wine industry, with vineyards offering hiking, organic wine and honey tasting and organic, low impact getaways.
The La Ruta de Sonora Ecotourism Association works only with local businesses and tour guides. These ecotourism businesses often provide a visitor code of conduct pamphlet that highlights the importance of behaving responsibly towards the local environment, how to minimize one's impact and purchasing and consuming local goods.
Many of the ecotourism options available to visitors in Arizona are focused around the Santa Clara Volcano, the Sonoran Desert and local Indian tribes such as the Hohokam tribe. Tours of the Colorado River Delta and the Sea of Cortez are also available. This tour teaches the visitor about the ecosystem and about how water management issues affect relations between the US and Mexico and how this in turn affects ecotourism and ecosystem management.
Herd Management Areas provide opportunities to see wild horses and burros in their natural environment. These areas are found in mainly in the southwest in states such as Arizona, Nevada, California, Montana, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and New Mexico.
The Arctic tundra is flat and treeless, with extensive marshes and lakes. Winters are long and cold and the short summers also remain cool. A layer of permafrost, or frozen soil, lies beneath the tundra’s surface. Permafrost limits plant growth since their roots are unable to reach very deep. Cottongrass-tussock is the most widespread type of vegetation in the region. Global warming poses a threat to this region and its permafrost. Alaska is home to a large brown bear population, including grizzly bears and Kodiak bears. Black bears and moose live throughout the state. Polar bears live along the coast in the Arctic tundra region; caribou are also concentrated in the tundra.
Natural Habitat Adventures the official travel provider for World Wildlife Fund offers wildlife and eco tours, including special photo tours of Grizzly Bears. All tour groups are small and custom trips may be arranged.
Orca Enterprises primarily leads whale-watching tours, but also has a select number of other wildlife tours available. Their whale-watching excursions allow one the opportunity to observe, photograph, and appreciate both Humpback and Orca whales in their natural habitat.
Other opportunities available through the Sierra Club include dog mushing throughout the state, rafting, and canoeing. There are also bear watching and bird watching trips, which aim to glorify these animals in their natural environment.
Alaska Wildland Adventures also offers bird watching, rafting, canoeing, and wildlife tours, among other opportunities. All tour groups are small and follow the "leave no trace" policy. The organization donates ten percent of its profits to local environmental organizations and encourages its guests to donate as well. AWA is locally owned and operated.
Exit Glacier Guides is a Seward, Alaska based eco-tour company focused on small, Leave No Trace, guided adventure tours. The company offers mostly glacier-based treks, ice-climbs, helicopter assisted hikes, and some overnight opportunities as well. The company also offers a recycled vegetable oil powered shuttle that provides the bulk of the company's transportation needs.
AdventureSmith Explorations offers small ship expedition cruises to Alaska. The company represents over 30 small ships and yachts offering 3-21 day cruises. The hallmark of their cruises is the ability to get off the ship, away from crowded ports, to explore nature and wildlife up close with expert guides. The company offers a carbon free cruising program to offset carbon emissions created as a result of their cruise passengers.
Hawaiian wildlife is unique in that the majority of it is endemic, or found only in that specific region. This is due to Hawaii’s geographic isolation. Species arrived via wind, water, or flight. As a result of small populations and environmental and climatic variation within small areas, many endemic species are considered vulnerable or endangered. The Hawaiian goose, nene, is classified as vulnerable. The yellow hibiscus flower and the Hawaiian honeycreeper, po’ouli, are endangered. There are many seabirds such as boobies and petrels. There are a few introduced mammals, such as the Hawaiian wild boar, and very few reptiles, including no native snakes.
The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden showcases many varieties of endangered Hawaiian flora. Ho’omaluhia means “to make a place of peace and tranquility”, so it upholds the beauty and splendor of nature as one of its major tenets. This page's information is on birth control.
Hawaiian Walkways offer the chance to reconnect with Hawaii's rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic valleys through a variety of walking tours. Their main goal is the connection with nature while respecting the environment and cultures.
Hawaii Shark Encounters has minimal impact in comparison to some other companies because their tours do not troll or disturb the shark population. They also do not anchor their boats or disturb the coral reefs. They cut off their engines when they reach their destination, saving fuel. The tour aims to make a lasting impact on its guests by education them about the dangers of polluting the water and the effects on the shark population. Tour guides suggest local businesses for the guests to patronize and visit local schools.
Photo Safari Hawaii provides unique opportunities to photograph the environment and cultural and heritage tours. All vehicles utilize biofuels.
Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a form of tourism visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial tourism...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
is commonly practiced in protected areas such as national parks and nature reserve
Nature reserve
A nature reserve is a protected area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research...
s, with the help of the United States National Park Service
National Park Service
The National Park Service is the U.S. federal agency that manages all national parks, many national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations...
. The principles and behaviors of ecotourism are slowly becoming more widespread in the United States; for example, hotels in some regions strive to be more sustainable.
Environment and wildlife
Much of the vegetation found in the Southeastern United States is also found up the coastline of the Northeast. The Appalachian Mountain rangeAppalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains #Whether the stressed vowel is or ,#Whether the "ch" is pronounced as a fricative or an affricate , and#Whether the final vowel is the monophthong or the diphthong .), often called the Appalachians, are a system of mountains in eastern North America. The Appalachians...
and the Smokey Mountain range separates the Northeast region into three different areas: the Appalachian Plateaus west of the mountain range, the Mountain ranges themselves, and the Piedmont Plateau and coastal plains. The entire region is known to have cold winters and warm summers, leading to a winter deciduous forest dominated by tall broadleaf species. The vegetation is separated into three distinct associations: Appalachian oak, pine-oak, and mixed mesophytic. The mixed mesophytic is found on the Appalachian Plateaus and has a great diversity of vegetative species, including American beech, tuliptree (or yellow-poplar), several basswoods, sugar maple, sweet buckeye, red oak, white oak, and eastern hemlock. The pine-oak forests are found along the sandy Coastal Plains and have a think shrub understory. The Appalachian oak forests are found east of the mountains and in mid-range elevations and are dominated by white oak and northern red oak. The upper elevations of the mountains also have a distinct northeastern hardwood forest where species such as birch, beech, maple, elm, red oak, and basswood, hemlock and white pine can all be found. The highest elevation points are vegetated mainly by spruce-fir forest and meadows. The Adirondack Mountains in the far northeast of the United States are part of the Eastern forest-boreal transition
Eastern forest-boreal transition
The Eastern forest-boreal transition is a temperate broadleaf and mixed forests ecoregion of North America, mostly in eastern Canada.-Setting:...
zone between the boreal forests of the north and the deciduous forests of the south. Here a mixture of red spruce, fir, birch, maple, and beech are found.
The mammal species found throughout the Northeast United States are similar to those of the Southeast and include whitetail deer, black bear, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, eastern chipmunk, white-footed mouse, pine vole, and cotton mouse. The Northeast has a very abundant bird population. Common game birds found in the region are turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, and mourning dove. Other non-game birds found in abundance include the cardinal, Carolina wren, wood thrush, summer tanager, red-eyed vireo, blue-gray gnatcatcher, and tufted titmouse. In the mountain range other commonly found species include red-breasted nuthatches, black-throated green warblers, golden-crowned warblers, flickersworm-eating warblers, brilliant hooded warbler, golden-crowned kinglets, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, downy, hairy, and red-bellied woodpeckers, Louisiana waterthrush, wood thrush, ovenbird, summer tanager, and rose-breasted grosbeak. Common reptiles are the box turtle, common garter snake, timber rattlesnake, and 27 different species of salamanders. Species that are unique to the Adirondack Mountain range habitat are longtail shrew, boreal (southern) redback vole, gray-cheeked thrush, spruce grouse, and gray jay.
Ecotourism opportunities
The three different mountain ranges (AppalachianAppalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains #Whether the stressed vowel is or ,#Whether the "ch" is pronounced as a fricative or an affricate , and#Whether the final vowel is the monophthong or the diphthong .), often called the Appalachians, are a system of mountains in eastern North America. The Appalachians...
, Smokey, and Adirondack
Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains are a mountain range located in the northeastern part of New York, that runs through Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Lewis, Saint Lawrence, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties....
), ample coastlines, and the diversity of wildlife species, especially bird species, allow for many opportunities in ecotourism to develop. Some examples of ecotourism opportunities in the Northeastern United States are:
- Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) offers bird watching tour trips throughout the Smokey Mountains, Cape May, and North Carolina, as well as elsewhere in the world. VENT is a strong advocate of supporting local conservation organizations, using local drivers and guides, and using in-country tourism operators throughout their tours.
- The Sierra ClubSierra ClubThe Sierra Club is the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the United States. It was founded on May 28, 1892, in San Francisco, California, by the conservationist and preservationist John Muir, who became its first president...
offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures throughout the United States with a mission to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. Their Northeastern trips include hiking trips in North Carolina. - The National Wildlife FederationNational Wildlife FederationThe National Wildlife Federation is the United States' largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization, with over four million members and supporters, and 48 state and territorial affiliated organizations...
has partnered with Native Energy Travel Offsets to calculate the carbon footprint for each Expedition traveler and personally pays for the offsets of these carbon emissions to ensure that their trips do not contribute to further global warming. Their Northeastern expeditions of viewing wildlife and wildflowers range from the Great Smokey Mountains to Cape Cod. - EcoQuest Travel, Inc., located in North Carolina, provides scientifically guided bird and wildlife watching tours with the goal of helping to increase global awareness and conservation of wildlife and habitats through sustainable exploration.
- Elevate Destinations, located in Massachusetts, offers cultural and heritage tours, hiking, and wildlife tours. This company's goal is to provide sustainable travel that gives back to the communities they visit.
- Wolfe Adventures & Tours of Massachusetts provides camping, kayaking, canoeing, sightseeing, and cultural and heritage tours, among other things. They strive to use only locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other businesses whenever possible, and $1 for every traveler is donated to Save Our Sites, a program to protect lands.
Environment and wildlife
The Southeastern United States is dominated by a humid subtropical climate, with the exception of South Florida, which is designated as a tropical savannah. South Florida’s climate has a wet season controlled by moist, warm maritime tropical air masses at times of high sun, and a dry season controlled by continental tropical air masses at times of low sun. The rest of the Southeast is characterized as having high humidity and an absence of very cold winters. The typical vegetation in the Southeast is forests, with much of the sandy coastal regions dominated by old growth forests of loblolly pine, longleaf pine, shortleaf pine and slash pine, and inland areas have deciduous forests usually consisting of various pine species along with oak, hickory, sweetgum, blackgum, red maple and winged elm. The main grasses found in the Southeast are bluestem, panicums, and longleaf uniola, with dogwood, viburnum, haw, blueberry, American beautyberry, youpon, and numerous woody vines being common as well. The Gulf Coast area is bordered by salt marshes dominated by the marsh grass Spartina. In southern Florida the habitat is strongly influences by the fluctuating water levels which cause distinctive vegetation known as tropical savannah to grow, which is why it has historically been called the River of Grass. This is region characterized as having open expanses of tall grasses, such as sawgrass and three-awns, interspersed with hardy, drought-resistant trees and shrubs. Cypress forests are extensive in this region, along with mangroves along the coastal areas. Off the coast of southern Florida and the Florida Keys there are many coral reefs present.Whitetail deer are the only large indigenous mammals found in the Southeast, with the exception of small, isolated populations of black bear and the endangered Florida panther. Many small mammals inhabit this region including raccoons, fox squirrels, eastern gray squirrels, foxes, cottontail rabbits, armadillos and opossums. Bobwhite and wild turkey are the main game bird that can be found in the region. Other very common birds found in the Southeast are mourning doves, pine warbler, cardinal, summer tanager, Carolina wren, ruby-throated hummingbird, blue jay, hooded warbler, eastern towhee, and tufted titmouse. Many non-game migratory birds and migratory waterfowl are common as well. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is also native to the region. Numerous species of amphibians can be found here as well, including the American alligator, fench and glass lizards, salamanders. The forest snake species found include cottonmouth moccasin, copperhead, rough green snake, rat snake, coachwhip, and speckled kingsnake. Manatees are found in estuaries and channels throughout the state. Coral reefs serve as habitat for many tropical fish species.
Ecotourism opportunities
The diverse landscape stretching from the Florida Keys and the Everglades to the Louisiana delta marshes to the upland pine forests allow for a range of ecotourism opportunities. Some examples of these opportunities in the Southeastern United states are:Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) offers bird watching tour trips throughout South Florida, Arkansas, and Missouri, as well as elsewhere in the world. VENT is a strong advocate of supporting local conservation organizations, using local drivers and guides, and using in-country tourism operators throughout their tours.
The Sierra Club offers a wide variety of outdoor adventures throughout the United States with a mission to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. Their Southeastern trips include canoe, kayak, and camping trips through Georgia and Florida.
The Atachafalaya National Heritage Area in Baton Rouge, Louisiana offers a look into one of the most culturally rich and ecologically varied region of the United States.
Florida Trail Association is a nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and protects the 1,400 mile Florida Trail, one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the United States, while also providing educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida, as well as recreational opportunities for hiking and camping.
Tarpon Bay Explorers is a long time member of the International Ecotourism Society and operates in the J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Florida to provide educational wildlife watching tours along with canoeing/kayaking tours and other recreational opportunities.
Environment and wildlife
The Midwestern United States is central and located inland. The area was once covered in glaciers. It is varied in geography and environment, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Great Lakes and the Great Plains, farther west. The Great Lakes states (Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) form a large drainage basin that feed into the lakes. The Great Plains states (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota) are mainly prairies. Much of the land is used for farming. Forest zones in the region are a mix of pine trees, yellow birches, sugar maples, and American beech trees. The oak-hickory forests fade into prairie, but trees are still found near water sources. Soil is extremely varied, including peat, clay, silt, and sand. Many of the birds such as ptarmigan, migrate south for the winter. Other mammals in the region include gray squirrels, who feed on the acorns from the oak-hickory trees, fox squirrels, chipmunks,shoes,bananas,homework,and prairie dogs.Ecotourism opportunities
The Midwest, and specifically the Great Lakes, provide the opportunity for a variety of ecotours.Woods & Water Ecotours offer snowshoe hikes along Lake Huron, cave tours in Michigan, and kayaking ventures on the lake.
To protect the Great Plains wildlife, the American Prairie Foundation
American Prairie Foundation
The American Prairie Foundation is a public charity located in the U.S. state of Montana. The foundation's objective is to build one of the largest wildlife reserves in the continental United States through a combination of new land acquisition and public land integration into the project, to be...
has established the American Prairie Reserve
American Prairie Reserve
The American Prairie Reserve is a private project undertaken by the American Prairie Foundation to create a wildlife conservation area of in northeast Montana through a combination of private and public lands. National Geographic has compared the project to the creation of an American...
in Montana. It aims to restore bison, prairie dogs, and ferrets in the area. By restoring the prairies, the Foundation aims to improve enjoyment of the land and incur economic benefits through tourism to the area.
Environment and wildlife
The Northwest of the United States is dominated by the Cascade Mountain range and is characterized by mild temperatures averaging 35 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit all year with heavy rainfall ranging from 30 to 150 inches per year. These heavy rains have led to the growth of coniferous forests that include Douglas-fir, western redcedar, western hemlock, grand fir, silver fir, subalpine fir, whitebark pine, Sitka spruce, and Alaska-cedar, along with an abundance of thick shrub understory. Along the coastal regions, however, glaciers and rivers dominate, leading to riparian forests that have broadleaf species such as black cottonwood and red alder. Common mammals include deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, Douglas squirrels, red tree vols, and Townsend chipmunks.Important game birds are ruffed grouse and blue grouse. Other non-game bird species found in this region are winter wren, Townsend's warbler, chestnut-backed chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, and Spotted owl and marbled murrelet which rely on the old growth forests found in this region. The Pacific treefrog, Pacific giant salamander, Alligator lizard, and rubber boa can also be found here.
Ecotourism opportunities
Ecotourism operations are well developed in this region largely due to 'green' thinking in these states and the abundance of natural resources. A variety of opportunities to hike, camp and fly-fish are available.Whitewater rafting in this region's large rivers is a very popular activity and one that helps people understand the role of rivers without causing pollution or harming local wildlife populations. Rogue River (Oregon), Flathead River (Montana), Salmon River (Idaho) and the Snake River (Wyoming) provide world class whitewater rafting for the any skill level.
Glacier National Park offers well preserved natural areas for bird watching and wildlife.
The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians is an organization set up by the local Indians of the region to promote their culture and offer nature based tourism in this region. This organization covers the tribes in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. They offer traditional Powwows, hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching and rafting. They teach visitors century old traditions and techniques of tribal life and how they choose to preserve the land and wildlife stocks.
OC Wildlife & Beach Tour Inc. offers bird and wildlife watching opportunities along with teaching about conservation and preservation of wildlife and the environment.
Environment and wildlife
The southwest of the United States is the most arid region of the nation and this allows for a very different set of ecosystems and natural habitats to exist. Ecotourism in the southwest of the United States focuses around the natural areas of the Grand Canyon, Colorado River, desert areas and the Pacific Ocean. This part of the country has numerous herds of wild horses and burros which roam the wild lands of Nevada.Ecotourism opportunities
The Southwestern United States offers tourists a wide variety of ecotourism options due to the unique ecosystem found in this region.Whale watching in Big Sur concentrates on the endangered humpback whale. The local population of humpback whale is estimated at 800 individuals, many of whom are seen near the Monterey Bay area. Visitors on boats are treated to incredible experiences as the whales circle the boats while 'investigating' the crafts. Experts say these encounters tend to last longer every year as the whales become more accustomed and less fearful of visitors.
Ecotourism in California has also reached the wine industry, with vineyards offering hiking, organic wine and honey tasting and organic, low impact getaways.
The La Ruta de Sonora Ecotourism Association works only with local businesses and tour guides. These ecotourism businesses often provide a visitor code of conduct pamphlet that highlights the importance of behaving responsibly towards the local environment, how to minimize one's impact and purchasing and consuming local goods.
Many of the ecotourism options available to visitors in Arizona are focused around the Santa Clara Volcano, the Sonoran Desert and local Indian tribes such as the Hohokam tribe. Tours of the Colorado River Delta and the Sea of Cortez are also available. This tour teaches the visitor about the ecosystem and about how water management issues affect relations between the US and Mexico and how this in turn affects ecotourism and ecosystem management.
Herd Management Areas provide opportunities to see wild horses and burros in their natural environment. These areas are found in mainly in the southwest in states such as Arizona, Nevada, California, Montana, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and New Mexico.
Environment and wildlife
Alaska’s Boreal forest contains many varieties of tree, primarily black and white spruce but also including balsam poplar, aspen, and paper birch. It is the coldest terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. Fire is common and is often caused by lightning or humans. Burnt organic materials enrich the soil, and the regrowth of vegetation allows for biodiversity. It is home to arctic ground squirrels and northern flying squirrels, marmots, woodchucks, and birds such as gray jays, boreal chickadees, northern flickers, red-tailed hawks, and boreal owls. The climate in this region is very extreme, with exceptionally cold winters and hot summers.The Arctic tundra is flat and treeless, with extensive marshes and lakes. Winters are long and cold and the short summers also remain cool. A layer of permafrost, or frozen soil, lies beneath the tundra’s surface. Permafrost limits plant growth since their roots are unable to reach very deep. Cottongrass-tussock is the most widespread type of vegetation in the region. Global warming poses a threat to this region and its permafrost. Alaska is home to a large brown bear population, including grizzly bears and Kodiak bears. Black bears and moose live throughout the state. Polar bears live along the coast in the Arctic tundra region; caribou are also concentrated in the tundra.
Ecotourism opportunities
Alaska’s Ridgewood Wilderness Lodge, located on the Kenai Peninsula, offers a variety of ecotours, such as boat tours in the Kachemak Bay, glacier hikes through parts of the boreal forest, and a brown bear photography tour. The lodge itself strives to be eco-friendly through the use of energy-efficient appliances, water-conserving toilets, and by maintaining its own vegetable garden. Waste water is also treated on-site.Natural Habitat Adventures the official travel provider for World Wildlife Fund offers wildlife and eco tours, including special photo tours of Grizzly Bears. All tour groups are small and custom trips may be arranged.
Orca Enterprises primarily leads whale-watching tours, but also has a select number of other wildlife tours available. Their whale-watching excursions allow one the opportunity to observe, photograph, and appreciate both Humpback and Orca whales in their natural habitat.
Other opportunities available through the Sierra Club include dog mushing throughout the state, rafting, and canoeing. There are also bear watching and bird watching trips, which aim to glorify these animals in their natural environment.
Alaska Wildland Adventures also offers bird watching, rafting, canoeing, and wildlife tours, among other opportunities. All tour groups are small and follow the "leave no trace" policy. The organization donates ten percent of its profits to local environmental organizations and encourages its guests to donate as well. AWA is locally owned and operated.
Exit Glacier Guides is a Seward, Alaska based eco-tour company focused on small, Leave No Trace, guided adventure tours. The company offers mostly glacier-based treks, ice-climbs, helicopter assisted hikes, and some overnight opportunities as well. The company also offers a recycled vegetable oil powered shuttle that provides the bulk of the company's transportation needs.
AdventureSmith Explorations offers small ship expedition cruises to Alaska. The company represents over 30 small ships and yachts offering 3-21 day cruises. The hallmark of their cruises is the ability to get off the ship, away from crowded ports, to explore nature and wildlife up close with expert guides. The company offers a carbon free cruising program to offset carbon emissions created as a result of their cruise passengers.
Environment and wildlife
Being a chain of individually formed volcanic islands, the ecosystems of Hawaii are extremely numerous and diverse, including deserts, beaches, coral reefs, and rainforests. Hawaiian tropical rainforests are found on windward mountain slopes. Coral reefs are located close to the shore of the islands. The coastlines are rough and the climate is tropical and remains fairly steady due to the ocean and trade winds. Shrubs are found in the coastal lowlands. They are topped by forests sloping up the mountains. There are four major types of forest, varying with level of moisture. There are dry forests, wet forests, and those composed of ohia and treelike ferns and the koa tree. Bogs are found near the mountain tops.Hawaiian wildlife is unique in that the majority of it is endemic, or found only in that specific region. This is due to Hawaii’s geographic isolation. Species arrived via wind, water, or flight. As a result of small populations and environmental and climatic variation within small areas, many endemic species are considered vulnerable or endangered. The Hawaiian goose, nene, is classified as vulnerable. The yellow hibiscus flower and the Hawaiian honeycreeper, po’ouli, are endangered. There are many seabirds such as boobies and petrels. There are a few introduced mammals, such as the Hawaiian wild boar, and very few reptiles, including no native snakes.
Ecotourism opportunities
The Hawaii Ecotourism Association includes a list of green travel tips specific to Hawaii, such as wearing natural, biodegradable sunscreen and renting a “Bio-Beetle” in Maui for transport—it is fueled by leftover vegetable oil They also provide tips for responsible wildlife viewing. The Association has a database of eco-friendly tours and locations, such as He’eia State Park and Fishpond, offering nature tours and kayak rentals.The Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden showcases many varieties of endangered Hawaiian flora. Ho’omaluhia means “to make a place of peace and tranquility”, so it upholds the beauty and splendor of nature as one of its major tenets. This page's information is on birth control.
Hawaiian Walkways offer the chance to reconnect with Hawaii's rainforests, waterfalls, and volcanic valleys through a variety of walking tours. Their main goal is the connection with nature while respecting the environment and cultures.
Hawaii Shark Encounters has minimal impact in comparison to some other companies because their tours do not troll or disturb the shark population. They also do not anchor their boats or disturb the coral reefs. They cut off their engines when they reach their destination, saving fuel. The tour aims to make a lasting impact on its guests by education them about the dangers of polluting the water and the effects on the shark population. Tour guides suggest local businesses for the guests to patronize and visit local schools.
Photo Safari Hawaii provides unique opportunities to photograph the environment and cultural and heritage tours. All vehicles utilize biofuels.
See also
- Tourism in the United StatesTourism in the United StatesTourism in the United States is a large industry that serves millions of international and domestic tourists yearly. Tourists visit the US to see natural wonders, cities, historic landmarks and entertainment venues...
- Environment of the United StatesEnvironment of the United StatesThe environment of the United States comprises diverse biotas, climates, and geologies. Environmental regulations and the environmental movement have emerged to respond to the various threats to the environment.-Animals:...
- National Park Travelers ClubNational Park Travelers ClubThe National Park Travelers Club is a non-profit 5017 social club organization. Its mission is to provide networking and recognition opportunities for visitors to America's National Park System. This Club acts to support and expand appreciation of the U.S...