MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-266-0458 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 608-266-0458 end_of_the_skype_highlighting;
Media Room: http://media.TravelWisconsin.com
Nineteen New Tourism Businesses Are Travel Green Wisconsin™ Certified
MADISON, Wis. (June 4, 2012) — Nine state parks, three state trails, three non-profit organizations, a Native American business, a museum, and a discovery center all now share one thing in common. All are showing their commitment to sustaining the environment through Travel Green Wisconsin™ certification. These tourism entities are using creative efforts to go green, from partnering with local sustainability groups to creating websites to educate others about going green to using solar energy. They are adapting innovative practices that continue to make Travel Green Wisconsin the gold standard for green travel in Wisconsin.
“We continue to be amazed with the level of creativity and innovation these tourism organizations use to become Travel Green Wisconsin certified,” Secretary Klett said. “By becoming certified, these businesses enjoy a marketing advantage and are responding to the demand for sustainable travel options. And at the end of the day, their efforts ensure our natural resources are here for future generations.”
The 19 new businesses certified through Travel Green Wisconsin join the list of 325 travel and hospitality properties located throughout Wisconsin that have made a commitment to continuously improve their operations to reduce their environmental impact. In January, the Department of Tourism adopted a flat fee structure for Travel Green Wisconsin certification based on industry feedback and to encourage more tourism businesses to consider implementing sustainable practices in their business.
The list of 19 recently certified businesses follows with a highlight from their application. Their full list of green initiatives can be found at www.travelwisconsin.com.
•Natural Bridge State Park, Baraboo – Rangers speak publicly on environmental improvement projects; prevents the introduction of invasive species, and purchases reusable and durable goods.
Contact: Steven Schmelzer – (608) 356-8301 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 356-8301 end_of_the_skype_highlighting steven.schmelzer@wisonsin.gov
•Perrot State Park-Great River State Trail, Trempealeau – Active in local community events and accommodates local events requiring access to state park facilities. Uses 100 percent recycled copy paper and collects rainwater onsite.
Contact: Jim Thompson – (608) 534-6409 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 534-6409 end_of_the_skype_highlighting jamesv.thompson@wisconsin.gov
•Blue Mounds State Park, Blue Mounds – Educates customers on and prevents the introduction and transportation of invasive species and uses low-flow water fixtures.
Contact: Kevin Swenson – (608) 437-5711 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 437-5711 end_of_the_skype_highlighting kevin.swenson@wisconsin.gov
•Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva – Implements prairie restoration, including removal of invasive species and controlled burns. Rangers are active in the community, including school talks, meet the rangers program and interpretive activities.
Contact: Anne Korman – (262) 248-2528 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (262) 248-2528 end_of_the_skype_highlighting anne.korman@wisconsin.gov
•Merrick State Park, Fountain City – Local firewood is made available to campers for purchase and literature is provided on native plants and wildlife, as well as local businesses.
Contact: Jim Thompson – (608) 867-9936 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 867-9936 end_of_the_skype_highlighting jamesv.thompson@wisconsin.gov
•Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium – Provides a container for depositing 14 oz. propane cylinders and has a written procedure to safely empty cylinders to recycle them as scrap steel.
Contact: Andrew Krueger – (262) 285-3015 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (262) 285-3015 end_of_the_skype_highlighting andrew.krueger@wisconsin.gov
•Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit, Campbellsport – Sprays irrigation from wastewater at the Long Lake treatment facility onto adjacent hay field. Provides reusable goods and prints communication materials on recycled stock.
Contact: Jerome Leiterman – (262) 626-2116 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (262) 626-2116 end_of_the_skype_highlighting jerome.leiterman@wisconsin.gov
•Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, Eagle – Uses recycled resin lumber to make benches and signs throughout property. ENERGY STAR qualified products used and employs Leave No Trace principles.
Contact: Anne Korman – (262) 594-6200 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (262) 594-6200 end_of_the_skype_highlighting anne.korman@wisconsin.gov
•Newport State Park, Ellison Bay – Counter tops and cabinets are made of recycled sunflower hulls. Offers educational programs led by naturalists on native plants, native animals, and the threat of invasive species, and organizes a staff carpool.
Contact: Michelle M. Hefty – (920) 854-2500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (920) 854-2500 end_of_the_skype_highlighting michelle.hefty@wisconsin.gov
•Madison Children’s Museum, Madison – One of the only green roofs in the state, reuses leftover materials in programs and other exhibits, with some exhibits created strictly from reclaimed materials. Developed GreenExhibits.org and implemented The Only Local Initiative, setting a standard of using only local people, products and processes in creating the new museum.
Contact: Ruth Shelly – (608) 256-6445 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 256-6445 end_of_the_skype_highlighting rshelly@madisonchildrensmuseum.org
•Door County Bike Tours, Ephraim – Tours provide instruction about the importance of water, wildlife, landscape conservation and management. Participants are taken to visit other Travel Green Wisconsin certified businesses and are encouraged to bring their own reusable or recyclable water bottles.
Contact: Chet Gerlach – (608) 255-9337 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 255-9337 end_of_the_skype_highlighting wiattraction@gmail.com
•Paper Discovery Center, Appleton – Shows visitors how to make hand-crafted paper from old newspapers and used office paper. Adaptive reuse of a building built in 1878 and works with other non-profits to cross-promote events. Supports freecycling.
Contact: Kathleen Lhost – (920) 380-7491 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (920) 380-7491 end_of_the_skype_highlighting kathleen@paperhall.org
•Konkapot Lodge, Bowler – All of the guest rooms have insulated window shades and refillable soap, shampoo, cream rinse and hand lotions. Donates overnight stays regularly to help local civic organizations raise money; protects surrounding native trillium beds.
Contact: Kimberly Vale – (715) 787-4747 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (715) 787-4747 end_of_the_skype_highlighting belelaw@gmail.com
•Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce – Uses a 200 gallon rain barrel to collect rainwater for reuse, uses ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and purchases products in bulk/concentrate. Signage in welcome center to promote Travel Green Wisconsin. First Travel Wisconsin welcome center to become certified.
Contact: Kathy Kopp – (608) 348-8888 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 348-8888 end_of_the_skype_highlighting director@platteville.com
•Waukesha & Pewaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau – Purchases local food products, fair trade, reusable and durable products, and recycled products. Office décor is rotating displays of local artists and are available for purchase. Uses organic fertilizers and products in landscaping.
Contact: Tammy Tritz – (262) 542-0330 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (262) 542-0330 end_of_the_skype_highlighting tammy@visitwaukesha.org
•Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce – Provides reusable goods, office paper is reused, supports local businesses, uses programmable set-back thermostat.
Contact: Jeff Anderson – (715) 258-7343 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (715) 258-7343 end_of_the_skype_highlighting jeff@waupacaareachamber.com
•400 State Trail, Ontario – Employs a Leave No Trace principle and uses facilities that were built to avoid prime agriculture land, environmental corridors and existing delineated wetlands.
Contact: Jim Moorhead– (608) 337-4775 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 337-4775 end_of_the_skype_highlighting james.moorhead@wisconsin.gov
•Elroy-Sparta State Trail, Ontario – Bicycles are available for rental and employs staff of all local residents. Uses in-line water heaters for utility and restroom sinks.
Contact: Jim Moorhead – (608) 337-4775 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 337-4775 end_of_the_skype_highlighting james.moorhead@wisconsin.gov
•La Crosse River State Trail, Ontario – Employs Leave No Trace principles, offers bicycles for use or rental, and employs video conferencing or teleconferencing to reduce travel.
Contact: Jim Moorhead – (608) 337-4775 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 337-4775 end_of_the_skype_highlighting james.moorhead@wisconsin.gov
Travel Green Wisconsin is the first of its kind in the nation and has served as a model to promote environmentally-friendly practices in the tourism industry. The program is unique for its inclusion of all tourism-related businesses and organizations including but not limited to attractions, events, accommodations, outfitters, restaurants, retail, visitor centers and more. Tourism businesses interested in learning more about becoming certified can contact Travel Green Wisconsin Program Manager Shelly Allness at mallness@travelwisconsin.com or 608-261-8767 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 608-261-8767 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at www.travelwisconsin.com.
