Each year, thousands of people fly in and out of the Bishop Airport to visit and enjoy the Eastern Sierra and our wonderful “big backyard.” Now – thanks to Bishop’s two Rotary Clubs and their partners - tourists and local folks visiting the airport will have a new opportunity to better understand and value our treasured region and its many attractions. Four carefully designed interpretative panels now stand near baggage claim to help promote awareness and respect for our area’s unique recreational, historic, economic, and cultural resources – and inhabitants.  

“These improved educational tools will help visitors better understand our area and embrace the importance of respecting and carefully stewarding local natural, historic, environmental, and cultural resources,” notes project organizer Bernadette Johnson of the Rotary Club of Bishop Sunrise. “There is so much for visitors to do here and a wealth of vibrant communities to experience and appreciate. The interpretive panels will highlight our area’s special – and often sensitive – resources beginning with local Indigenous cultures, mining/ranching, outdoor recreation, and the environment.”

All four panels were designed by talented local graphic artist, Jon Hess. Photographs for the project were provided by the Bishop Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, local author and historian Pam Vaughan, the Bishop Paiute Tribe, and the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission. The Indigenous, recreation, and mining and ranching panels are each on heavy free-standing “sleds” which can be relocated when the new terminal is built. The airport sign will be attached to the historic airport tower. 

Funding for the project was provided by the Rotary Club of Bishop and the Rotary Club of Bishop Sunrise, as well as the Bishop Rotary Foundation and Rotary’s District 5190.