SURVEY REVEALS VERMONT'S WILDLIFE ARE IMPORTANT RECREATIONALLY AND ECONOMICALLY

       WATERBURY, VT -- Fish and wildlife are important to Vermonters, and according to the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service they contribute greatly to our economy.

       The nationwide survey revealed that Vermonters ranked second only to
Alaskans in enjoying wildlife resources recreationally during 2001. Sixty-seven percent of Vermonters went fishing, hunting or wildlife watching, or enjoyed a combination of these activities, while 70 percent of Alaskans did the same.

       “This survey underscores the importance Vermonters’ place on wildlife-related recreation,” said Vermont Governor Jim Douglas. “Access to such activities is one of the many reasons why this state is a great place to live and do business.”

       The federal survey shows that residents and nonresidents who fish, hunt, watch, feed and photograph wildlife spent more than $386 million on these activities in Vermont. Of that total, trip-related expenditures were $139 million and equipment purchases totaled $146 million. The remaining $101 million was spent on licenses, contributions, land ownership and leasing, and other items and services.

       “These spending results indicate the important economic impact wildlife-related recreation has on Vermont’s economy,”said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche.

Vermont led the New England states in hunters per capita with 15 percent of the population participating. Also in New England, Vermont anglers tied with folks from Maine with a fishing participation rate of 21 percent. When it comes to wildlife watching, however, Vermonters topped all the other states nationwide with 60 percent of residents enjoying this activity.

The survey showed that 171 thousand Vermont residents and nonresidents 16 years old and older fished, 100 thousand hunted and 496 thousand participated in wildlife-watching activities in Vermont, including observing, feeding and photographing wildlife.

       The federal survey reveals that Vermont’s economy gets a major economic boost from sportfishing. In 2001, 96 thousand resident and 75 thousand nonresident anglers 16 years old and older fished 2.3 million days in Vermont – an average of 14 days per angler. These anglers spent $111 million on fishing expenses in Vermont in 2001. Trip-related expenses including food and lodging, transportation and other expenses totaled $59 million. Equipment expenses totaled $45 million.

       Hunting contributes significantly to Vermont’s economy after leaf peeping ends and before skiing season. In 2001, there were 74 thousand resident and 26 thousand nonresident hunters 16 years old and older who hunted 1.5 million days in Vermont – an average of 15 days per hunter. They spent $71 million while hunting in Vermont in 2001. Trip-related expenses such as food and lodging, transportation and other trip costs totaled $16 million. Hunters spent $42 million on equipment.

       “Hunting, particularly, comes at a fortuitous time for our tourist centered businesses – after the leaves are off and before the skis are on,” said Lisa Helme, Fish & Wildlife director of public outreach and marketing. “Fishing also spikes big in the spring, after skiing is done and before summer tourism gets rolling.”

       For survey purposes, “wildlife watching” activities included observing, feeding and photographing wildlife. Feeding birds at home is considered the primary wildlife activity when measured by the total number of participants.

       In Vermont, 496 thousand U.S. residents 16 years old and older observed, fed or photographed wildlife during 2001, spending $204 million while enjoying these activities. Trip-related expenses, including food and lodging ($37 million), transportation ($24 million) and other trip expenses such as equipment rental ($2 million) amounted to $63 million.

Vermont residents took an active interest in wildlife around their homes with 280 thousand state residents enjoying observing, feeding or photographing wildlife within one mile of their homes. Feeding wildlife, such as birds, was most popular with 243 thousand Vermonters participating.

       “These expenditures are spread throughout the entire state, including some of its most remote regions where other recreational spending is slim,” explained Helme. “Wildlife recreation is a bright spot in Vermont’s economic picture. I hope the survey results help all of us doubly appreciate its positive impact.”

       The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation has become one of the most important sources of information on fish and wildlife recreation in the United States. Conducted at five-year intervals since 1955, the survey quantifies the amount of recreation and expenditures that can be attributed to these resources. Federal, state and private organizations use the information found in the survey results to manage wildlife, market products and look for trends. The survey was done by telephone with close to 500 Vermont households interviewed in 2001.

                                    

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For Further Information please contact: Lisa Helme at 802-241-3713 or email to Lisa@fwd.anr.state.vt.us

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