In a message dated 1/28/2004 9:01:07 AM Pacific Standard Time,
floriferous at msn.com writes:

> So out of town
> tourists might account for a chunk of the Billion plus dollars

Rob,

Therein lies the key factor that so many are overlooking. I'm sure that the
bucks that I dropped on my recent trek across the lower tier states added
significantly to the economy of several towns along the way and especially to those
little cafes with "Espresso" signs in their windows!

People actually travel TO our fair state to see birds. The success of the
Great Washington State Birding Trail will be determined by the continued monetary
contributions of visiting birders.

Cheers,
Joe Meche
Birding Programs Coordinator
North Cascades Audubon
Bellingham, WA