Bayfield recognized by state for exceptional commitment to sustainability

Bayfield, Wisconsin is well known for it's idyllic location on Lake Superior, with a view of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. In recent years, Bayfield business owners, local government, and individual residents have worked hard to establish a new kind of reputation for this harbor city - that of being the most sustainable community in the state. In recognition of these efforts, the Bayfield community was presented with the 2011 Governor's Tourism Stewardship Award during the closing dinner of the Wisconsin Governor's Conference on Tourism, held this week in the Wisconsin Dells.

Bayfield was one of several nominees for this honor, including the City of Middleton, and the Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast and Farm, located near Browntown, WI. Prior to the award presentation, these comments were read;

"This may be one of the state's smallest communities, but it's big on progressive sustainability. The town has built a formidable reputation as being one of the greenest communities in the state by establishing practices that includes tourism but also goes beyond it. Municipal offices, the school district, local businesses and area residents are firmly committed to a core value of sustainable living. In 2010, Global Environmental Management selected this town as one of the top 38 sustainable communities in the country. They have served as a role model for other Wisconsin communities, both small and large, demonstrating how sustainable practices can attract tourists through programs such as Travel Green Wisconsin. In fact, they currently hold the record for most sustainable businesses participating in the Travel Green Wisconsin initiative."

The City of Bayfield was nominated for this award by the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau's Executive Director, Cari Obst. This organization's membership includes 36 Travel Green certified businesses, including the Pinehurst Inn, whose "Green Score" is the highest in the state at 131. The Bayfield Apple Festival, celebrating it's 50th annual year, is also a Travel Green Certified event, which is no small feat with over 200 art, craft, food and product vendors. The Mayor of the City of Bayfield, Larry MacDonald, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of the community from Governor Scott Walker.

This is the second year of the Governor's Tourism Awards, which are "...an important opportunity to recognize our industry's highest achievers, who day in and day out, put Wisconsin on the map as a premier destination," according to Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett in a release by the Department of Tourism. "Each has made an impact on tourism through their achievements, innovation and dedication to excellence. They exemplify the best of the best in our state." Governor Scott Walker presented five recipients with the Governor's Tourism Award for their contributions to the industry.