In order to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Travel Oregon has released this round of Competitive & Recovery Grants to provide funding for improved infrastructure to enhance and expand the visitor experience over both the short and long-term and that these enhancements can help in economic recovery efforts. Applications opened on March 15 and will be accepted until March 31 at 5 p.m.

Read the complete Grant Guidelines to see eligibility requirements, funding parameters and application questions. Please direct questions to grants@traveloregon.com.

As weather starts to get warmer and folks venture outdoors, it’s important to keep responsible recreation and COVID-19 safety top of mind. The Take Care Out There (TCOT) Toolkit has resources to encourage visitors to “Prepare, Care, Connect," providing thoughtful guidance for everything from understanding current safety guidelines and local recommendations, to respecting natural spaces, and connecting with the people and places they visit.

In partnership with Willamette Valley Visitors Association (WVVA) and Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB), the TCOT Toolkit now includes important resources and messages around water recreation, and boater and paddler safety. To help urge safety while enjoying the state’s waterways and coastlines, make a commitment to only show people (adults and children) recreating while wearing life jackets in your content. Sign the commitment letter in the water recreation safety messaging toolkit and submit it to Katie McFall by Wednesday, March 24.

Today, federal and state land management agencies, along with tourism and outdoor recreation partners, have launched the Oregon Recreation Site Status Map to help the public navigate the status of popular recreation areas. The status map shows open, closed and reduced service areas on a single map for Oregonians and visitors seeking recreation information or planning a trip. Please share this resource with your networks.

Read the official press release, and access infographics for use on your social media channels here.