Oregon
Cascades Birding Trail Fact Sheet
WHAT:
The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail is a self-guided
auto tour highlighting nearly 200 prime birding destinations in the
Oregon Cascades. The trail traces more than 1,200 miles of existing
highways and byways, showcasing the region's spectacular scenery and
wildlife. The project follows a growing trend of birding trail development
across the country, where local partnerships result in bird conservation
and sustainable economic development for sponsoring communities. The
Cascades Trail will be the first of up to seven birding trails in
Oregon highlighting the state's tremendous scenic values and habitat
diversity.
WHERE:
The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail runs down
both sides of the Cascade Mountains, connecting around Mt. McLoughlin
to the south and Mt. Hood to the north. These two main routes will
also join at a number of mountain crossings, creating five smaller
loops, each with its own unique features.
WHY:
-- To diversify local economies by expanding
the tourism market and tapping into the rapidly-growing constituency
of recreational birders;
-- To foster cooperation among widely dispersed communities and the
state's public and private sectors;
-- To catalyze increased awareness of bird species and habitat conservation
issues throughout the Cascades; and,
-- To introduce Oregon residents and visitors to the boundless educational
and recreational opportunities in the Oregon Cascades.
WHO:
The Oregon Cascades Birding Trail is the first
project of the Oregon Birding Trails Working Group. The group contains
members of various federal and state agencies, plus a host of non-profit
organizations and small businesses. Initial funding
for the project began with a grant from the National Forest Foundation
to the American Bird Conservancy, a founding member of the working
group.On the heels of an extensive public site nomination process,
project organizers will continue to engage local communities and Oregon
birders in various aspects of the project, including site review and
project promotion. A variety of businesses and organizations will
be sought out to provide additional funding and to assist with community
outreach.
WHEN:
The project was dedicated in May 2003, on International
Migratory Bird Day, and the project brochure was first distributed
to the public in June 2003.
