Destination Door County Launches Sustainability Pledge

Destination Door County (DDC) is asking residents to lead the way on a new initiative: the Door County Pledge. It asks for a commitment to exploring the peninsula’s natural environment and culture with purpose, mindfulness, respect and care.

Beginning April 20, DDC asks residents to help kick off the initiative by digitally signing the Door County Pledge at DoorCounty.com and encouraging others to do the same starting April 22. People can also sign the pledge in person at the Door County Welcome Center in Sturgeon Bay or at one of nine information centers around the county.

“Choosing the week of Earth Day to launch our Door County Pledge initiative was a natural fit,” said Michelle Rasmusson, DDC’s director of marketing and sales. “Our role as an influential steward of this destination is a key component of the tourism-management efforts we’ve moved to the forefront of our list of responsibilities. While destination marketing is still a primary focus, destination-management activities have a more prominent role now for us as well, and the Door County Pledge is proof of that.”

The pledge focuses on water safety, environmental stewardship, destination awareness, capacity constraints at certain locations and environmental preservation.

“This is not about limiting what our residents and visitors can do,” Rasmusson said. “It’s about expanding everyone’s understanding of the county and helping us realize the role we all play in keeping it the special place it is.”

Destination Door County will use in-person contacts, social media, online promotion, print, radio, partnering with other local organizations and more to generate awareness and encourage residents to take the pledge. DDC will also maintain a counter to show how many people have taken the Door County Pledge in the hopes of encouraging even more participation.

An online tool kit will also be available for local organizations and businesses that wish to support the initiative. 

An ongoing “eco-drip” campaign will continue to speak to both residents and visitors about how everyone can do their part to protect the county’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, which are vital to the area’s long-term health and viability. 

The pledge is the beginning of a larger initiative that Door County tourism leaders are preparing to roll out next month that will highlight several new destination-management efforts. Details about a much broader Care for Door County initiative – which includes the pledge, a partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a push to become a Green Tier certified destination and more – will be released during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 2-8.