Our Natural Resources
Watchable Wildlife Recreation Means Nearly $479 Million in Sales Annually to Illinois' Economy
A recent study commissioned by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reports that nearly $479 million is spent each year in Illinois on purchases related to recreational activities involving wildlife observation. This so-called nonconsumptive type of recreation includes activities such as birdwatching, wildlife photography or feeding of birds or other wildlife. Hunters and nonhunters were both included in the survey, but only when participating in non-hunting activities. "This is the first study in Illinois to clearly demonstrate the huge economic benefits of watchable wildlife recreation," said IDNR Director Brent Manning. "Now we can quantify benefits to the state's economy directly attributable to the passive enjoyment of the state's wildlife resources." The report, prepared by Southwick and Associates of Arlington, Virginia, was based on data collected through a national survey conducted jointly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Census Bureau. The study determined that in 1991, approximately 4.3 million residents and 190,000 nonresidents participated in some aspect of watchable wildlife recreation in Illinois. Equipment and supply purchases represented the greatest outlay by participants, amounting to $374.6 million. The following chart identifies the estimated economic impacts of watchable wildlife in Illinois for both resident and nonresident expenditures:
"As the report clearly shows, the enjoyment of wildlife in Illinois is an activity which enriches many lives," Manning said. "What's more, successful management of wildlife populations leads to economic benefits shared by all Illinoisans through the creation of jobs and collection of associated tax revenues." Copies of the Southwick report can be obtained by calling or writing the Division of Wildlife Resources in Springfield at 217/782-6384 or 524 S. Second St, Springfield, IL 62701. New "Resource Watch" Program Encourages Citizens to Monitor State's Natural Resources Governor Jim Edgar has announced a new volunteer program to better protect natural resources and promote environmental stewardship through the volunteer efforts of Illinois citizens. The program, called "Resource Watch," encourages citizens to adopt and monitor wildlife and conservation areas of the state and assist state conservation workers in wildlife management efforts. "This program will enable local residents to take an active role to safeguard our environment and make positive contributions to further enhance our natural resources," the Governor said. Resource Watch members will have an opportunity to participate in such activities as installing waterfowl nests, trapping and relocating wild turkeys, capturing and banding wood ducks, conducting creel surveys of fishermen, bird counts, Canada goose population surveys and assisting IDNR staff at urban fishing clinics or fishing derbies for kids. Members also will monitor a specific area at least twice a month and report activity which threatens wildlife and the environment, such as open dumping, illegal timber cutting and stream or wetland alteration. They also can report incidents which require the immediate attention of authorities such as fish kills, poaching, or other direct threats to wildlife or the environment. "There is a role for everyone in this program regardless of their outdoor interests," said Brent Manning, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "We are looking for program volunteers to report positive signs of environmental improvements, such as sightings of endangered or threatened species of wildlife, as well as to report signs of illegal activities that endanger our precious natural resources." Resource Watch is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Police Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. Participants will be organized into Resource Watch units and report monthly to conservation police officers who act as local project facilitators. Meetings with Resource Watch members will provide IDNR staff with feedback from local communities to aid the department in making management decisions. For additional information about the Resource Watch program and how to participate, contact your local conservation police officer or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, 524 S. Second, Springfield, IL 62701, or telephone 217/782-6431. Illinois Parks & Recreation • July/August 1996 • 51 |
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