Good idea, Denise. This afternoon I was in Annapolis presenting some
statistics on that exact subject (at the hearing on certain public land
protection bills). Federal government surveys show that people who travel
around Maryland to watch birds spend many, many millions of dollars here. It
would indeed be good to have anecdotal evidence tied to specific locations
or events. I know that I've spent nearly $100 in gas and food on multiple
visits to see the lapwing... but it was definitely worth it!

Anyone out there want to help compile this info for us? It will really help
our conservation efforts too.

Janet Millenson
Potomac, MD (Montgomery County)

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"Look at the birds!" -- Pascal the parrot

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Denise Ryan" <>
To: <>
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2005 6:33 PM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] Lured by the lapwing - thanks!


Would it be out of the realm of sensibility to ask those out of town
visitors to E-mail some central person with an estimate of how much they
spent in terms of travel, hotel, gas, meals, maps and other goodies during
their visit to see the Lapwing?  They asked for that information in
Minnesota.  It might be helpful to use later.

For instance, regarding the closing of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
Islands to birders, adding the economic value of birders to the area per
visit could help convince unhappy locals that it isn't all bad.  Just a
suggestion.

Denise Ryan
Washington, DC