The City of De Pere, Wisconsin

Ø  Bird watching and wildlife viewing have the highest percentage of people participating in Wisconsin (48%); higher than fishing (20%), trails (25%), bicycling (36%), or camping (27%).

Ø  Over the past 20 years wildlife watching (particularly bird watching) has increased more than 266%.

Ø  76% of American travelers want to visit somewhere they have never been before.

Ø  Wildlife Watching Stats:

o   41% of wildlife watchers are from "away from home"

o   Spend an average of 2 days/trip

o   36% of the participants have an annual household income of at least $50,000 (18% have AHI of $75,000 or more)

o   The average wildlife watcher spends an average of:

Ø  Listed as one of the Top 20 increasing trends in Wisconsin Outdoor Recreational activities

Ø  Participation results from WI Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.    

o   Percentage of Wisconsin Residents:

-  View/photo natural scenery - 65% (2,806,000)

-  View/photo other wildlife - 57% (2,369,999)

-  View/photo wildflowers, trees, etc. - 50% (2,079,000)

-  View/photo birds - 41% (1,700,000)

-  Fishing/warm water - 28% (1,168,000)

-  View/photo fish - 28% (1,168,000)

o   Estimated yearly participants from Chicago in selected activities:

-  View/photo wildlife - 494,000

-  View/photo birds - 386,000

Ø  The locks are currently an attraction that has brought people from 27 different states and 12 different countries in the past two years.

Ø  A study indicated that Sturgeon spawning activity in the Wolf River created an approximately $300,000 impact over a two week time period. It estimated about 3000 participants.

Ø  Wildlife viewing area is projected to be $1-$2 million

Ø  Downtown connection portion is projected to be approximately $45,000

Ø  De Pere Lock and Dam is a registered Historic District