[mou] USFWS report on birders

[Jim Williams]

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Releases
"Birding in the United States" Report

A new federal economic report found that 46 million birdwatchers across
America spent $32 billion in 2001 pursuing one of the Nation's most popular
outdoor activities according to a report from the Interior Department's
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The report, Birding in the United States:
A Demographic and Economic Analysis Addendum to the 2001 National Survey of
Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, is the first of its
kind analyzing data from the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

"Nearly one in five Americans is a bird watcher," said Service Director
Steve Williams.  "This report recognizes what we always thought to be true.
Birdwatching is very popular and contributes greatly to our economy, so it
is important that we continue to work with our partners to restore and
protect habitat to ensure healthy bird populations."

Montana, Vermont and Wisconsin led the Nation in birding participation
rates as a percent of total State population.  California, Pennsylvania,
Texas and Florida had the most birders.

Birders spent $32 billion on gear such as binoculars, travel, food and big
ticket items such as canoes, cabins and off-road vehicles.  This spending
generated $85 billion in overall economic output and $13 billion in federal
and state income taxes, and supported more than 863,000 jobs.

To be considered a birdwatcher, an individual must take a trip a mile or
more from home for the primary purpose of observing birds or must closely
observe or try to identify birds around the home. Those who notice birds
while mowing the lawn or picnicking at the beach were not counted as
birders. Trips to zoos and observing captive birds also did not count as
birdwatching. Watching birds around the home is the most common form of
bird-watching.  Taking trips away from home counted for 40 percent (18
million) of birders.

The full report is available on-line at <http://federalaid.fws.gov>.

Contact: Nicholas Throckmorton, 202/208-5636

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forward by Jim Williams, Wayzata