Birds are the focus of two new efforts in Oregon, the success of which will depend upon the participation of individual Oregonians.  Organizers of both projects invite the public to nominate birding sites and key bird habitats for their inclusion in the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail and Oregon Important Bird Areas projects.  (Photo: Chestnut-backed Chickadee)

Oregon Cascades Birding Trail

The Washington D.C.-based American Bird Conservancy recently received a $62,000 grant from the National Forest Foundation to implement the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail, a network of birding sites that will extend over 1,000 miles by May 2003, traversing both the east and west slopes of the Cascade Mountains.

The grant constitutes one-half of the $122,000 project budget, which will fund a printed map and brochure, directional road signs, and marketing opportunities. As conditions of the grant, project partners need to raise the balance of the budget in matching funds, and the project needs to be completed by May 2003. Project Manager Bob Altman anticipates a ribbon-cutting ceremony along the “Lewis and Clark” section of the trail on International Migratory Bird Day, May 10, 2003. (Photo: Great Gray Owl)

Birding trails across the country have proven to be valuable economic development tools by appealing to the rapidly growing constituency of bird and nature enthusiasts. A 1996 survey commissioned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that 63 million Americans consider themselves birding enthusiasts, and according to Newsweek magazine, between 1997 and 2050, “the only major outdoor pastime that will grow faster than the national population is birding.” (Photo: the Hermit Warbler likes older forests)

Organizers expect prospective visitors to the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail to learn about the project through the media or the Internet or through local tourism development agencies. The Cascades Trail will be the first of what project sponsors envision as a system of up to eight birding trails in Oregon, each featuring a distinct geographical region of the Oregon’s diverse landscape. Altman sees this system of trails as a key element in protecting Oregon’s birds and their habitats.

“Once Oregon communities realize the untapped economic value of their avian inhabitants, we hope they will be inspired to protect sensitive natural areas,” Altman said. “If the habitats are not protected, the birds will go elsewhere and so will the birders.” (Photo: Clark's Nutcracker is a relative of the crow and the raven.)

Local communities will be engaged in the planning process for the Oregon Cascades Birding Trail. A series of public meetings will give organizers a chance to describe the project as well as various opportunities for public involvement, one of which includes the site nomination process.

Oregon Important Bird Areas

A second major effort will focus on protecting important habitats in Oregon that birds need for nesting, breeding and foraging, known as Important Bird Areas (IBAs).  In order to know exactly where those habitats are, IBA project organizers are also engaged in a public site nomination process. (Photo: the Pine Siskin winters in large flocks on the flanks of the Cascades.)

The Audubon Society of Portland is working with many individuals and organizations to actively identify these areas.  The project is modeled after National Audubon Society’s successful IBA project, which was originally developed in collaboration with American Bird Conservancy, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, and Partners-in-Flight.  There are two stages to the project: (1) determining the most important bird habitats through a deliberate scientific analysis; and (2) using that information to guide efforts to protect those areas. (Photo: Barrow's Goldeneye)

IBA site nominations will go to a scientific technical committee to consider for inclusion in the IBA network.  The group will seek nominations until December 15, 2002, and will then publish the first list of IBAs in January 2003. 

Bird enthusiasts across the state are encouraged to submit site nominations and learn more about both projects through their respective web sites:

Oregon Important Bird Areas   www.audubonportland.org
Oregon Cascades Birding Trail  www.oregonbirdingtrails.org

© 2002 Stephen Shunk  Photos provided by the author.