LT-2019-014-KEEN-Yakima River Canyon Bird Fest

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Response 2.3: We estimated attendance numbers based on similar bird watching festivals in the Evidence* state that regularly attract many hundreds of attendees, a survey we conducted in 2014, Kittitas County Tourism and Recreation Plan that identifies wildlife viewing as the third most popular activity and among the highest day -trip expenditure category, and WA State SCORP with nearly 60% of tourists engaging in wildlife viewing activities. We further base our estimates on a survey of birders visiting the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway we conducted in 2014. Because of that survey, we know that birders visiting the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway are split equally between males and females with an average age of 61 years old and over. The majority of respondents lived in Western Washington (King, Pierce, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties) with an income between $100,000 and $149,000. Birders that participated in the survey said that they typically travel about 100 miles, but will travel between 100 miles and 500 miles to seek out great birding opportunities that have a wide variety and rare bird species. Several survey respondents take yearly trips out of state or country for birding experiences. When traveling for birding excursions away from home, most stay overnight for approximately 2 nights in a motel/hotel. The majority of birders who took this survey said that they have been to the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway for birding excursions. What they like best about the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway is the variety and number of birds that show up due to the diversity of habitat. We also base our projections on use statistics that we receive from the Bureau of Land Management about their recreation sites in the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway. Recently released use survey numbers show a steady and significant use pattern in the Canyon that shows nearly 400,000 overnight stays in the Canyon during 6 months (May -Oct) in 2017. 2500 character lirrit Application Questions: Part 2 31 Measuring Results What tools will you use to measure your event's impact on tourism? Please be specific and provide examples. Include the following information: A. Is your project/event year-round or is it seasonal or date -specific? Go to definitions of terms. B. What strategies will you employ to assure you are attracting tourists from at least 50 miles away? C. What strategies will you use to assist in marketing all of Kittitas County as a tourist destination Wth your event/project funding request?