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Big Bog Interesting Facts Views in the News - Big
Bog State Park Proposal Open for View State parks more than pay for
themselves. Non-residents purchase goods and services in communities surrounding state
parks — a significant source of revenue for Minnesota. Source: Lakes and Wetlands, Chippewa National Forest Many Minnesotans understand that
there can be no choosing between a prosperous economy, vital communities and a healthy
environment. They want all three. Citizens are calling for more sustainable approaches to
resource use and economic and community development.
The DNR vision hinges on the
concept of sustainability — protecting and restoring the natural environment while
enhancing economic opportunity and community well-being. The goal is to maintain all three
elements — the environment, economy and community‚ in a healthy state
indefinitely. The
United Nations World Tourism Organization predicts that travel will be the world’s
largest industry by 2020. Nature related travel is growing
at 10% to 30% each year, compared to overall tourism, which is 4% annually.
Unemployment rates for the northern part of
Minnesota persist at nearly five percentage points above the Twin Cities area. Source: Minnesota Employment Review, 4/99, Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development In
the 1998 Minnesota State Park Visitor Survey, overall, visitors saw
the highest need for state parks in the north central region. The
wilderness feeling of the bog is great. No sign of humans — one of
the last places in Minnesota
to find it. The
ecological complexity of theRed Lake peatlands is similar to that of
the Everglades — which started out as only a few boardwalks. People
from all over the world have come to experience the unusual geological
and ecological aspects of the Red Lake Bog. In fact, several
international symposia have been held in Duluth and Bemidji regarding
the peatlands of the Red Lake Bog. Minnesota
State Parks Mission: Source: US Department of the Interior 80% of U.S.
voters support wetland protection.
The U.S. Forest
Service relies on partnerships with public and private organizations to manage sustainable
forest ecosystems. Peatlands exist
around the world. In addition to the US, many countries have large amounts of peatland:
China, Canada, Iceland, Malaysia, Norway, Republic of Ireland, the former USSR, Germany,
Poland, etc. Today,
the public has worldwide choices — not only is there competition for consumers’
discretionary dollar, it exists for every recreation dollar as well. The first challenge
is to preserve and protect — and let tourism follow. A joint survey by
government agencies and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association estimates that 54
million people took part in bird watching in 1994 — 157% increase over 1982-1983. Source: DNR The Red Lake Peatland
(bog) features ovoid islands, tear drop islands, circular islands, raised
bogs, and every pattern of fen a portion of which has been designated
a National Natural Landmark. Eco-tourism
(tourism that helps travelers relate to the environment) continues to draw
large audiences. There is increasing demand for entertainment and attractions that are interactive and participatory. Travelers are looking to experience something
new or
touching something more ‘down-to-earth.’ The travel industry
out performs the overall economy in creating new jobs. Since 1994, employment generated by
travel in Minnesota has grown by 21.3%, compared to a 10.4% gain in overall U.S.
employment. The Minnesota Office
of Tourism, actively supports wildlife tourism growth. Examples include statewide wildlife
workshops, funding for wildlife marketing, a Birding Hotline (the first toll-free
accessible birding hotline in the nation) and an Audubon Magazine
advertorial section in
the March/April 2000 issue. Minnesota — A
great place to live, visit, and do business. Baby boomers have played, and will
continue to play a major role in all aspects of our economy. Today this group represents
1/3rd of the population and is driving the tourism industry. Aged 55 and older,
they are sophisticated and demanding consumers. Already well-traveled, they want more
unique experiences — including adventure and culture related travel. The first baby
boomers, born in 1945, are entering the 55+ age group this year. The National Audubon Society has 508 chapters, and half a
million members and operates 100 Audubon Sanctuaries and nature centers nationwide.
They will be operating the new National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN.
The Minnesota
Department of Trade & Economic Development and the Office of Tourism, share a mission:
To employ all the state government resources to facilitate an economic environment that
produces net job growth in excess of the national average and to increase non-resident
tourism revenues.
Despite relatively high unemployment rates in the Northeast
region, its economy has shown improvement during the mid-1990’s — this coincided
with the growth of tourism and other services. Generally,
high "tourism mass" is needed to establish a successful tourism region. A large
number and range of attractions makes the area appealing to more visitors — of most
ages and interests. There are 7
state parks in the north central/west region of the state — compared to 17 in the
northeast. About 1/3 of
travelers that come to see Minnesota’s wildlife each year are non-residents. In the
Northwest Region (Northwest, Headwaters, West Central and Central), tourism and
travel-related industries have experienced strong job growth. Employment in amusement and
recreation services business grew 23.4% (from 1993-1997). It is clear that Northwest
Minnesota is enjoying strong economic momentum as it moves into the next century. Canadian travel is estimated
at 551,000 — making Canada a potential market for new tourism in north central
Minnesota.
Vacations typically last from 2 to 4 days with the majority of
that time spent in the same area.
Japanese tourists (over 55) reported that nature and environment are the top reasons for visiting Canada — similar reasons were reported by older people from France and Britain. Tourists
frequently inquire about day trips in the Lake of the Woods area and the town of Baudette
— only 38 minutes away from the Red Lake Bog at Waskish. Many visitors would take the
trip.
Sustainable tourism and historical tourism are unusual because
there is a large volunteer sector associated with the activities, acting as educators,
issue identifiers, action arbitrators, and lobbyists.
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