Siskiyou EDC and Yreka Host Two-Day Action Planning for Outdoor Recreation Economy

Siskiyou Economic Development, The City of Yreka, and the EPA RERC technical assistance team are convening strategies to increase tourism and recreational opportunities in Yreka. The stakeholder action plan is on the way!

In September 2021, the City of Yreka received the EPA’s Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) planning assistance program. “The technical assistance provided by this award is very helpful to Yreka and our local economy,” explains Kory Hayden, a Program Manager at the Siskiyou EDC. The Siskiyou EDC encouraged and assisted the City of Yreka in applying for the program. Yreka is one of ten communities selected, nationwide.

The primary focus is to connect visitors and residents to Yreka’s downtown and Siskiyou County’s outdoor recreation economy. Planning and expertise made possible by the US EPA will bring together local leaders, outdoor recreation professionals, and tourism experts to attract businesses, engage residents, and invite tourists to Yreka, through the lens of Siskiyou County’s robust outdoor recreation economy, in every direction. The time and expertise provided by the EPA and local stakeholders can help the City of Yreka connect visitors and residents to downtown, Main Street, Greenhorn Park, and beyond.”

-Kory Hayden, Siskiyou EDC

In the first stage of the program, a steering committee will lead a two-day workshop in Yreka (Spring 2022), where residents, leaders, businesses and outdoor stakeholders will have the opportunity to draft and define community goals, strengths and challenges, and strategies. Following the workshop, a professional team will draft a formal Action Plan to guide city leaders, action groups, and tourism experts to take next steps. Program outcomes can elevate economic development and downtown revitalization in Yreka.

This is a great time to improve infrastructure, information and experiences needed to connect residents and visitors to downtown experiences and Siskiyou County’s outdoor economy. This can include initiatives to develop/expand trail networks, and walking experiences, in addition to mapping and marketing to spotlight Yreka’s lodging properties, eateries, shops and restaurants as complementary experiences, to Siskiyou County’s natural lands and outdoor recreation.

-Kory Hayden, Siskiyou EDC

Please reach out to Alia Roca-Lezra, alia@siskiyoucounty.org, or Kory Hayden, kory@siskiyoucounty.org, for more details about this program.