The one-stop resource propelled by recreationists and land management agencies will help manage recreational flow and provide real-time travel advisories for State of Washington visitors
SEATTLE (February 15, 2022) State of Washington Tourism, in partnership with TREAD (Trails, Recreation, Education, Advocacy, and Development) and Dharma Maps, plans to make its robust location-based app available for public use across Washington this spring, in time for the warm-weather recreation and travel season.
The TREAD Map App is a one-stop resource that provides real-time trail and recreational data, updates and advisories. The app assists recreationists with trip planning and safety, while simultaneously helping land managers monitor and influence traffic flow and recreational gateway communities plan and preserve their visitor services, public health and search-and-rescue resources.
TREAD is currently in development for statewide use following a successful 2021 pilot program in the trails and lakes region of Central Washington (Kittitas, Grant, Douglas, Chelan and Okanagan Counties).
“The TREAD Map App is not only a fully functioning passion project created for and with our outdoor recreation enthusiasts, it positions the State of Washington to take a leadership role in outdoor recreation and allows us to showcase the diverse terrain and experiences we have to offer here,” said Jerri Barkley, Destination Marketing Operations at the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The ability to highlight supporting partners and offer users the option to contribute to future projects is just an example of its additional future benefits.”
Several other regions are planning to deploy the TREAD Map App when its development concludes this spring, including Bellingham and Whatcom County. “We are thrilled that we will be able to keep our outdoor enthusiasts and visitors updated in real time,” said Sandy Ward, president and CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. “Our land managers and parks departments can’t wait to get their hands on the app. It’s an exciting new chapter for us.”
The app offers comprehensive, up-to-date recreation maps that include hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, along with custom layers and up-to-the minute safety alerts. The user interface allows land managers and recreationists to share current conditions, photos, weather information, tips on crowded trailheads with alternate suggestions and more. From overuse of popular trails to wildfire and smoke alerts and warnings of avalanches and other conditions, the TREAD Map App provides a go-to resource for real-time updates and advisories.
“Responsible travel, trip planning and public-private coordination are critical to the recovery of the tourism industry and sustainability of natural resources and statewide communities, now and in the future,” said David Blandford, Executive Director of State of Washington Tourism.
“Who better to advise recreationists than other recreationists?” said Mat Lyons, TREAD’s executive director. “Users care about the outdoor experience and are natural stewards of the environment. This app invites those who care to share what they love about Washington’s outdoor attractions while helping educate on our inherent responsibilities as recreationists.”
The partnership between State of Washington Tourism (SWT), TREAD, and Dharma Maps offers innovative solutions to common industry issues across Washington. SWT, the state’s official destination marketing organization, joined as program partner and will promote uploads and usage of the app through marketing and communications campaigns that reach Washington residents and out-of-state travelers.
The TREAD Map App will be available for download for iOS and Android beginning in April.
About State of Washington Tourism
State of Washington Tourism (the recently rebranded Washington Tourism Alliance) is a 501(c)(6) organization established by industry stakeholders with the sole mission of developing and sustaining Washington State destination tourism marketing. SWT procures and administers funds for state destination tourism marketing activities and creates and implements the strategic statewide destination marketing plan. Visit the destination website at www.stateofWAtourism.com or the tourism industry site at www.industry.stateofWAtourism.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Sienna Spencer Markles
Public Relations, GreenRubino for State of Washington Tourism
E: WATourismPR@greenrubino.com