State Birding Trails

	Speakers:
	Dave Sharpe Community Development Program Leader Montana State University Extension		Andy Skadberg Asstant Professor Extension Specialist Texas A&M Extension
	Description: Currently about 20 states have birding trails at some stage of development. With birding rated as the fastest growing outdoor activity the states are attempting to tap another tourist sector. The grand daddy of 'em all is the Great Texas Birding Trail. Andy was involved in it's development from the get go. He'll share his experiences and insights. Montana is one of the states presently developing a birding trail, hoping to learn from the experiences of others. Dave will share the major elements needed to launch and maintain a successful birding trail. A slide presentation featuring the Texas and Florida Birding Trails will be presented. Marketing and fulfillment pieces will be discussed including maps, website, and virtual tours. We may have a guest appearance by the Coordinator of the Florida Birding Trail. Evaluations will include a section on what else participants would like/need re. Birding trails.