Conservation Corner

Wildlife Mississippi Releases Birding Trail Plan

by James L. Cummins

The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment recently reported a 155.2% growth (to 54.1 million persons) in bird watching in the United States between the 1980s and the late 1990s.

Birders are a quiet, educated and economically stable group that could contribute significantly to Mississippi's economy. The potential return in economic output of birders is great. By developing the Great Mississippi Birding Trails and promoting them nationally and internationally, birding in Mississippi could provide economic, aesthetic, wildlife and conservation benefits statewide with the most significant benefits accruing in rural communities.

Mississippi is located in the center of the Mississippi Flyway for waterfowl. In 1935, Frederick Lincoln, a former Secretary of the Interior, wrote "This route [Mississippi Flyway] is followed by such vast numbers of ducks and geese, [and other birds] that observers stationed at favorable points in the Mississippi Valley during the height of migration can see a greater number of species and individuals than can be noted anywhere else in the world."

This provides the opportunity to view over 380 species of birds which have been recorded in Mississippi. We are in the center of the Mississippi Flyway for birds leaving the Canadian nesting grounds en route to their tropical winter homes. Birding trail stops could be established around the state, capitalizing on existing, natural, historic and cultural resources. The refuges, wildlife areas, parks and forests provide opportunities for birding enthusiasts.

Texas and Florida are the first 2 states to establish significant birding trails. Mississippi could be a new state to establish a trail, taking timely advantage of birding tourism opportunities that would benefit both rural and urban Mississippi.

The success of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail (GTCBT) helps underscore the vast potential of birding trails to provide recreation, conservation and offer local economic support. GTCBT travelers devoted 31.23 days to birding on the trail. On their most recent trip, they spent an average of $981.99 per person, mostly in the coastal region. Birders averaged spending $2,452.18 in a 12-month period. When considering direct and indirect expenditures using a "multiplier," annual spending was probably closer to $4,900.

Wildlife Mississippi's goal to establish the Great Mississippi Birding Trails includes a series of birding trails. They are: 1) Mississippi River, 2) Tombigbee, 3) Gulf Coast, 4) Pearl River, 5) Natchez Trace, 6) North Mississippi Reservoirs, 7) Choctaw and 8) Pascagoula. For a complete plan for the Great Mississippi Birding Trails, go to www.wildlifemiss.org.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.