Idaho Birding Trail Guidebook Now Available

Idaho has now joined the cadre of states that host a state birding trail. Like Alabama, Kansas, Florida, Montana, Wisconsin and more, Idaho now promotes nature-based tourism opportunities in the form of premier birding spots throughout the state. The Idaho Birding Trail was developed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's nongame program with other state, federal, and private partners to promote opportunities for rural economic growth in the form of providing amenities to travelers who are birding, and to promote the conservation of bird and wildlife habitat to maintain the quality of life for Idahoans. Four years in the making, the statewide trail is a network of sites and side-trips that provide the best viewing opportunities to see birds in Idaho. With 175 sites and about 2,000 miles of trail, the birding trail represents a collection of bird watching hotspots, diverse habitats, and a glimpse of Idaho's rich natural heritage. And 22 sites are designated as Blue Ribbon sites- "the best of the best" bird viewing opportunities in Idaho. The trail is a series of self-guided, auto-driven tours, lasting anywhere from an afternoon outing to a week-long expedition. Most sites are easily accessible and are connected by no more than a 30 minute drive. Along the way, the birders will be guided to the best places to see large concentrations of birds, high species diversity, or unique places of high habitat quality and their associated birds. Much of the trail leaves the freeways and highways behind, and wanders deep into Idaho's rural communities and along backcountry byways. As a result, it has the potential to bring significant economic benefit to places that are well off the beaten track. Birders spend considerable amounts of money when they travel-on gas, food, motels, optics, books and outdoor clothing. In addition to providing outstanding recreational opportunities, education and an increased awareness of the state's important wildlife resources, the trail also has the potential to boost local economies through a previously untapped tourism industry. A state house resolution this year, recognizing the Idaho Birding Trail as the official state birding trail, means the Department of Commerce and Labor's Division of Tourism can promote the trail. A key part of the birding trail project has been the production of a 135 page guidebook with directions, descriptions and maps of every site on the trail. The guidebook was developed by Fish and Game in collaboration with local birders and other state and federal partners. The guidebook is available for $5 at any Idaho Department of Fish and Game office or by contacting Sara Focht at sfocht@idfg.idaho.gov, or 208-287-2750. The Idaho Birding Trail, though not completed yet, can be viewed on the Internet at: www.idahobirdingtrail.org.