Rethinking our self-image

Despite its spectacular array of wildlife viewing sites, North Dakota does not currently view itself as a nature tourism destination. According to a study commissioned by the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, North Dakotan’s are "ambivalent at best about increasing tourism in the state." The study found that, "with the exception of one North Dakota tourism brochure, no marketing campaigns or coordinated tourism efforts exist to actively bring outsiders into the state or to promote the state’s image as an affordable, exceptional nature viewing destination." Many residents fear the positive economic benefits of tourism would be offset by degradations in the quality of life, on of the prime reasons people choose to stay in the state.

While North Dakota may be hesitant to promote itself as an eco-tourism site, other prairie states are not. Nebraska, South Dakota, and other areas across the Great Plains have embraced prairie restoration and interpretation projects. These projects have not been accompanied by deterioration in the quality of life in these areas and have had a positive economic impact.

The scale of North Dakota’s "untouched" and accessible natural habitats, wildlife refuges and viewing sites offers a spectacular array of opportunity. North Dakota is also an important segment of a Great Plains ecosystem mosaic. With unspoiled natural surroundings, a historical role as a bastion of the American Bison, and a central location our uniquely situated state is, to date, missing out on a lucrative tourism opportunity.

Currently, North Dakota generates $27,000,000 from 190,000 birding, and wildlife watching participations. Minnesota generates $523,000,000 from the same activities. In both North Dakota and Minnesota, bird and wildlife watchers now outnumber hunters.

To review the study, assessment, recommendations, and eco-tourism plans developed for the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area, visit
http://www.fermatainc.com/lonetree/pdf/lonetree_report.pdf

To read the North Dakota National Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Activities annual report, go to
http://www.census.gov/prod/2003pubs/01fhw/fhw01-nd.pdf