FAQ’s about the
America's Wetland Birding Trail Project

What are the goals of the project?

The America's Wetland Birding Trail (Trail) will interlink a broad selection of wildlife viewing venues along the Louisiana Coast, facilitating and nurturing the travel experience for birders and wildlife viewers from Louisiana and the world-at-large. The Trail will offer the public an introduction to the birds and wildlife of Louisiana, and provide a matrix of opportunities for appreciating and understanding the natural riches of the state.

Who is heading this project?

The project is sponsored by the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism. The Louisiana Office of Tourism has stated that "the popularity and success of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, the Alabama Birding Trail, and the Florida Birding Trail have inspired the Louisiana Office of Tourism to identify, develop and design the Louisiana Great Gulf Coast Birding Trail. The Louisiana Office of Tourism has retained the services of a nature tourism consulting group, Fermata, Inc. based in Austin, Texas.

What is Fermata’s role?

Fermata was contracted to develop the Birding Trail Concept and Development Plan (Plan) for the Trail. The plan will include:

1. The designation of a team of experts to assist Fermata in developing the Plan.
2. The establishment of an advisory committee to aid Fermata in developing the Plan.
3. The designation of a main route for the Trail, as well as the identification of loops that branch from the main route to include appropriate sites.
4. Data collection and inventories of materials relevant to the Plan, and to evaluate these materials for improvements.
5. An analysis of the existing infrastructure along the Trail, and details of suggested improvements and enhancements.
6. Identify appropriate public and private lands for inclusion in the Trail.
7. Identify appropriate approaches and incentives for inclusion of private land sites in the Trail.
8. Analyze the potential economic impact of the Trail in Louisiana.
9. Develop prototype interpretive materials.
10. Develop a marketing strategy for the Trail.
11. Develop draft grant applications.
12. Compile all materials in a final report to the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

What route will the trail take? What are the project boundaries?

The Trail will extend from the Mississippi border west to the Sabine River. The exact route of the main trail and loops will be determined once site assessments are completed. The project boundaries generally are the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Interstate 10 to the north. However, there are watersheds that extend north of I-10 (such as the Atchafalaya), and these will be included in their entirety. The trail builds upon designated scenic byways and grass roots support. The trail will connect individual scenic byways to larger themes and opportunities to enhance routes, and link the individual routes to a greater transportation network extending across the southern region of the state from the Texas border to the Mississippi state line.

Who is paying for this project?

The Louisiana Office of Tourism.

Will it cost my parish anything to participate in this project?

No.

How will my parish benefit from participating with the Trail?

Parishes can expect to benefit from:

1. significant increases in travel and tourism,
2. lengthened stays by existing travelers as they learn of other recreational opportunities in the region,
3. a heightened awareness by local residents of the wildlife resources of the region,
4. additional funding and grant opportunities for improvements to designated viewing sites.

How does the nomination process work?

The public is invited to nominate sites for inclusion in the Trail. Nomination forms are available on the Fermata web site (www.fermatainc.com).

Who should make the nominations?

Nominations from the general public are welcomed. However, we ask that the appropriate owner and/or land manager be included in the nomination process. During the site assessment phase, each site will be contacted in advance of being visited by Fermata field staff. It is important that those responsible for a site be involved in this process from the beginning.

What about privately owned land?

This project welcomes the inclusion of private land sites. However, no private land will be included without the expressed permission and participation of the respective owner.

What about sites that are not ready for visitors now, where we need improvements such as kiosks, trails, or parking?

Sites that are not available at this time, but will be ready within the near future, can be nominated and may be suggested for inclusion with the appropriate qualifications. Sites needing improvements and enhancements will be addressed as detailed previously.

What about sites with boat access only?

Boat access only sites are welcome for nomination. The site assessment for these locations will include the appropriate qualifications. It is expected that the Louisiana Great Gulf Coast Birding Trail will be distinctive in the number of water viewing opportunities that it will offer. This is seen as an advantage of this trail, not a detriment.

How will the site selection process work?

All nominated sites will be visited in person by Fermata field staff and associates. Sites will be assessed for their birding and wildlife viewing potential, and the needs for enhancements and improvements will be identified. Sites will then be suggested for inclusion in the trail to the Louisiana Office of Tourism.

When the sites are visited, will the Tourist Commission or other tourism organization in the community be contacted; and will they need to provide Fermata with any assistance?

Fermata site visits are scheduled at least a week in advance. Not only will the Tourist Commission or other regional tourism organization receive word of the upcoming visit, Fermata will also contact the site managers to let them know approximately when the assessor(s) will be visiting. The Fermata assessors don't need any special assistance. However, if there is information that would make the assessor's evaluations more productive, it should be sent to Fermata in advance of the visit, if at all possible.

Will there be money for infrastructure improvements?

An expressed goal of the project is to develop grant applications for the enhancements identified during the assessment process.

What is the timeline for this project?

• Public informational meetings May 2003, fall 2003, and late winter 2004
• Site nomination April — June 2003; site assessments July — September 2003
• Draft Concept Plan including an economic impact analysis and recommendations for enhancements, interpretive materials, and marketing winter 2004; Final Plan spring 2004.
• Prepare enhancement grant applications spring 2004

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