There’s a valuable resource in our valley that is usually over our heads. It requires no intrusive extraction. The only required equipment is a pair of binoculars and sensible footwear. People come from all over the continent to enjoy it, they take only pictures and leave only footprints... and money.

Denver Holt, director of the world-renowned Owl Research Institute near Charlo spoke recently at the Ronan Chamber lunch at the Country Club. Holt spoke informally, but had impressive data indicating that wildlife-associated ecotourism is alive and well in Montana. It’s peaking in our area, prompted by local snowy owl sightings. Our Mission Valley is a wildlife watching destination because it hosts so many species of raptors, waterfowl and furry wildlife we sometimes have to shoo out of our yards.

Here are some of his statistics:

A 2006 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey shows that spending on wildlife-associated recreation was $122 billion, which topped revenues from all spectator sports, amusement parks and arcades, non-hotel casinos, bowling centers and skiing facilities combined. Removing hunting and fishing leaves $45.7 billion of wildlife watching.

“Wildlife watching... is a major factor in the state and national economies,” wrote H. Dale Hall, Director of the USF and WS in his foreword to the survey. He explains that excise taxes on firearms, ammo, archery and fishing equipment, plus state recreational permits gathered over $10 billion for wildlife conservation in 2006. Adding Reservation permits, the total represents substantial resources for conservation.

The majority of participants earn over $75,000 and they “dispose” of some wherever they go. I was curious how many people travelled away from home to watch wildlife, (23 million) so I looked through the survey (http://library.fws.gov/pubs/nat_survey 2006).

“They’re ideal tourists,” says Holt. “They enjoy our wildlife through their binoculars, then leave.”

Brian Morton of Ninepipes Lodge and Restaurant has definitely noticed new visitors seeking his hospitality. His proximity to some of the best wildlife viewing in Montana, and near U.S. Hwy 93, is a real advantage to viewers.

At the conclusion of Holt’s talk, we were more aware of snowy owls, as much for their stunning beauty as for their ability to attract outdoor visitors.

So next time you spot any one of our dozens of raptors, waterfowl or other showy animals, maybe you’ll not only admire its beauty, but also its ability to help keep our economy aloft.

As always, I value your input. Contact me at 883-4677 or carminemowbray@gmail.com.