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State Wants to Build on $1 Billion Wildlife Viewing Industry

Posted on: Thursday, 29 April 2004, 06:00 CDT

Two state agencies have developed a plan to ensure growth in the state's nearly $1 billion wildlife viewing industry.

The plan by the departments of Fish and Wildlife and Community, Trade and Economic Development is meant to improve the infrastructure for wildlife viewing and expand tourism promotion. At the same time, it's supposed to preserve the environment, which the industry depends on.

"This report is the first of its kind in our state, and it underscores the importance of nurturing and expanding watchable wildlife opportunities throughout Washington," said Jeff Koenings, Fish and Wildlife director.

"Our abundant native wildlife is one of Washington state's greatest attractions," said Juli Wilkerson, director of the development agency. "We want to ensure that everyone can enjoy our state's wildlife while our natural resources are protected for future generations."

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2001 survey of outdoor recreation expenditures, wildlife viewers generated almost $980 million in economic activity in Washington, almost as much as recreational fishing generates.

There are about a dozen wildlife-oriented festivals throughout the state, half of which are less than a decade old. They include the Sandhill Crane Festival in Othello and the Skagit Bald Eagle Festival along the Skagit River.

In 2003, the State Legislature asked the agencies to develop a strategic plan to promote wildlife viewing tourism in Washington.

A conference in September was attended by 150 people from throughout the state. Their ideas were the plan's foundation.

Additional input was gathered from participants at the 2003 Washington State Tourism Forum and through a public review conducted late last year.

Recommendations include the development of a database of watchable wildlife sites and a program of matching grants for communities and nonprofit organizations to develop low-impact watchable wildlife sites. The agency also might provide more amenities on department lands, such as parking areas, viewing blinds and access trails.

Recommendations include creating an interactive map of watchable wildlife areas for the state's tourism Web site, www.experiencewashington.com, researching consumer preferences and economic impact, and expanding promotional efforts.

The two agencies expect the cost of implementation to be between $3 million and $4.5 million.

Both agencies will present the plan and a funding proposal to the Legislature early next year.

Meanwhile, they are creating a coalition that includes many of the participants from the 2003 conference. The group will gather twice a year - once in eastern Washington and once in western Washington - to continue development of wildlife-viewing opportunities.

- The News Tribune

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SIDEBAR: On the Web

The watchable wildlife strategic plan is available online at wdfw.wa.gov/view ing/viewing_plan/index.htm.

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