Wisconsin Northern Woods Birding Trail - Project information and timeline

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 Trumpeter flock now numbers more than 300 birds.

Project description

Mississippi RIver at Perrot SP (2); WI 5 Aug 2002 With funding from the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Act Program, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has launched a project to develop a trail along the northern third of Wisconsin for people to visit special places where they can see the many species of birds that visit or nest here each year. Some 400 species of birds can be found in Wisconsin throughout the year and the Wisconsin Northern Woods Birding Trail will provide a guide to viewing many of these species.

Local bird watching clubs are being recruited to contribute site nominations, historical and current species sightings, club program offerings and the names of local tour guides. Local chambers of commerce and tourism businesses are being recruited to provide advertising, funding and support services. Local government is being encouraged to protect open space, support legislation to enhance ecotourism and provide toilets, drinking water, parking and access to desirable sites. What role would YOU like to play?

Individuals, birding clubs, tourism businesses and other interested parties are invited to nominate potentially desirable sites in their area. Birding clubs, chambers of commerce, local business owners, town governments and others also are invited to adopt selected sites of their choosing, contribute finds and offer support services.

You or your organization can be a part of this effort to connect communities, conservation and commerce in Wisconsin. Please contact Susan Foote-Martin (Tel: 608/266-0545, Email: footes@dnr.state.wi.us) for more details.

Timeline

- July 29 to August 9, 2002 — Stakeholder meetings and site visits held throughout Wisconsin
- August 2002 — Begin receiving site nominations
- 23-27 September 2002 — Train assessors to evaluate site nominations
- 27 September 2002 — A celebration of World Tourism Day at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area.
- 15 October 2002 — Watchable Wildlife Conference takes place in St.Paul, Minnesota, and the Wisconsin Northern Woods Birding Trail should have sites identified for inclusion in the trail

Wisconsin Northern Birding Trail Site Selection Criteria
The state steering committee will use the following criteria to evaluate the nominations for further assessment.
- Abundance, diversity or richness of bird species and other natural attractions
- Visitation will not negatively impact the natural or cultural resources of a site
- Public has safe access to the site
- Access may be arranged through public ownership or willing private owners
- Visitor amenities and support services are present, planned or nearby
- Site has local partners or sponsors to help with management and maintenance
- Tourism infrastructure (dining, lodging, etc.) nearby
- Geographic distribution/dispersal

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All photos copyright Ted Lee Eubanks, Jr.