About the Masthead Photo: These young Trumpeter Swans at Crex Meadows
are among the most endangered of waterfowl, but due to reintroduction efforts
throughout the U.S., including Ottawa NWR in Ohio, these birds are now recovering
throughout their range.
In 2002, a total of 52 nesting pairs occurred in 14 Wisconsin counties, including
32 nests in Burnett and Polk counties. Wisconsin's resident Turmpeter flock now
numbers more than 300 birds.
Would Bird Trails Draw Flocks?
By MATT FURY
Sentinel Reporter
GRANTSBURG—Although not fully hatched, the idea for a Great Wisconsin
Birding Trail could eventually have people statewide flapping their arms in excitement.
Or something like that.
Initially proposed through informational meetings across the state this past
month, the last of which took place at the new Crex Meadows Interpretive Center
in Grantsburg this past week, the plan is to essentially create a statewide auto
trail that would expand Wisconsin’s nature-based resource income by taking
advantage of the growing interest of people’s love for our feathered friends.
MORE>
Press Release
The Great Wisconsin Birding Trail
MADISON
- A proposed statewide trail that focuses on people's love of birds and bird watching
to link them to other nature-based recreational resources will be the topic of
a series of upcoming public meetings. The Great Wisconsin Birding Trail is proposed
as a statewide auto trail that leads people to parks, historic sites, rivers,
lakes, and bike trails. Although the trail is based on leading people to some
of Wisconsin's prime bird habitats, the proposed trail would offer travelers "much
more than birding," says Susan Foote-Martin, who is coordinating the project for
the Department of Natural Resources Endangered Resource Program.
"Volunteers will be the backbone
of the development of the trail system," Foote Martin says. "The trail will take
form throughout the state by incorporating ideas and suggestions for places to
bird watch generated by the public through meetings that we are holding over the
next month.
"There are currently four loops of
the trail proposed around the state. These include:
The Great River Birding Trail
- This trail is a major work element of the Upper Mississippi River Campaign
of the National Audubon Society. Maps cover 670 river miles in four states: Wisconsin,
Minnesota Illinois, and Iowa
Oak Leaf Birding Trail -
Milwaukee County Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Culture. The Oak Leaf Birding
Trail Map will be available April 2002
Horicon Marsh - Horicon Marsh
Parkway Auto Tour Route includes hiking trails, floating boardwalk, and canoe
trails.
Ozaukee County Interurban Trail
- Birding has been added to the list of activities found on this popular urban
route
Nominations for additional sites
to be included on the Great Wisconsin Birding Trail map will also be solicited
in writing or by using a Web site, she says.
Foote Martin notes that data presented
in the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
done by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2001 showed that wildlife viewing
increased by 5 percent between 1996 and 2001. Nation-wide, over 66 million residents
participated in wildlife viewing. "Wisconsin has the third highest participation
rate with 53 percent of resident's aged 16 and older participating in some form
of wildlife watching," she says. The idea of the Great Wisconsin Birding Trail
is to allow travelers to see birds in their natural habitat, while also providing
opportunities to communicate important conservation messages and promote non-consumptive
nature activities.
The Great Wisconsin Birding Trail
represents the work of more than 100 endorsing members of the Wisconsin Bird Conservation
Initiative. Groups other than the Wisconsin DNR, include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, the National Audubon Society and local Audubon chapters, the National
Park Service, Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and various
land trusts, nature centers, local birding clubs, Universities, and public and
private agencies.
Ted Eubanks an Independent Contractor
with Fermata, Inc. of Austin Texas will conduct the public meetings and present
a power point presentation on the Great Wisconsin Birding Trail project. Fermata,
Inc. is the creator of successful wildlife viewing trails in many states including
their first project, The Great Texas Birding Trail. The meetings are open to anyone
who enjoys bird watching and nature based recreation.
The meetings on the proposed trail
will be held at the times and locations below.
July 31, Milwaukee 9 to 11 a.m.
and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wehr Nature Center in Whitnall Park, 9701 W. College Ave.,
Franklin
July 31, 2 to 4 p.m. DNR Southeast
Regional Headquarters, 2300 N Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Aug 1, DNR Horicon Marsh Service
Center - 10 a.m. to noon and 7 to 9 p.m.
Aug 2, Green Bay - 9 to 11 a.m.
and 6 to 8 p.m. - Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, 1660 E. Shore Dr.
Aug 5, La Crosse o 9 to 11 a.m.
- Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Office 555 Lester Ave., Onalaska
Aug 5, 7 to 9 p.m. - Public meeting
- La Crosse Public Library, 800 Main St.
Aug 6, Rhinelander - 10 a.m. to
noon and 7 to 9 p.m. - DNR Rhinelander Service Center 107 Sutcliff Ave.
Aug 7, Grantsburg - 10 a.m. to noon
and 7 to 9 p.m. DNR Crex Meadows Nature & Visitor Center, junction of County
Roads D and F, Grantsburg.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan
Foote-Martin - (608) 635-4160
MADISON
- A proposed statewide trail that focuses on people's love of birds and bird watching
to link them to other nature-based recreational resources will be the topic of
a series of upcoming public meetings. The Great Wisconsin Birding Trail is proposed
as a statewide auto trail that leads people to parks, historic sites, rivers,
lakes, and bike trails. Although the trail is based on leading people to some
of Wisconsin's prime bird habitats, the proposed trail would offer travelers "much
more than birding," says Susan Foote-Martin, who is coordinating the project for
the Department of Natural Resources Endangered Resource Program.