The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has announced the launch of the development of the Virginia Coastal Birding Trail. Virginia has one of the highest diversities of birds in the eastern United States, boasting nearly 400 resident and migratory bird species seen during the year. According to the 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, more than 2.2 million individuals are spending nearly $700 million annually on wildlife-watching recreation in Virginia.

"This driving trail is being developed to provide opportunities for Virginians and those who visit the Commonwealth to see a wide variety of wildlife and have a quality recreational experience," said Department Director William L. Woodfin, Jr.

The Birding Trail, still in the planning and development stages, will feature popular locations like Cape Charles and Kiptopeke State Park as well as lesser-known sites found in the many small communities along the Eastern Shore and eastern coastline of Virginia. A significant part of the planning process will be the identification of these sites. "In particular, Virginia's Eastern Shore is a magnet for birders from across the country and around the world, and we'd like to introduce more people to the great diversity of species and the hospitality of that community," according to David Whitehurst, director of the agency's Wildlife Diversity Division. The Virginia Coastal Birding Trail will potentially provide birders access to birding sites on private lands not formerly accessible, as local land owners take advantage of new economic development opportunities.

The Department will host a series of community meetings around eastern Virginia that will help local businesses identify related economic opportunities and gain community support. "We fully anticipate that we will have a number of partners in this initiative, including other government agencies, local industries, land managers, private citizens, conservation organizations and communities," said Whitehurst.

VDGIF has contracted with Fermata, Inc., a nationally recognized firm in the areas of nature-based tourism and travel, to help in the planning stages of the Virginia trail. Fermata, Inc. was instrumental in the development of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, the first such initiative in the nation, and has been involved with additional trail programs in Florida, California, Louisiana, Ohio and the upper Mississippi River. The planning process should be completed by January 2000.