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Response 2.3:*Evtdence <br />We estimated aitendance numbers based on similar bird uriatching festivals in the <br />state that regularly attract many hundreds of attendees, a survey we conducied in <br />2014, Kittitas County Tourism and Recreation Plan that identifies wildlife viewing as <br />the third mosi popular activity and among ihe highest day-trip erpenditure <br />category, and WA State SCORP with nearly 60% of tourists engaging in wildlife <br />viewing activiiies. <br />We further base our estimates on a survey of birders visiting the Yakima River <br />Canyon Scenic B;ntay ue conducted in 2014. <br />Because of that survey, r,rie know that birders visiting the Yakima River Canyon <br />Scenic Byrnay are split equally between males and females with an average age of <br />61 years old and over. The majority of respondents lived in Western Washington <br />(King, Pierce, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties) with an income betvleen $100,000 <br />and $149,000. <br />Birders that participated in the survey said that they typically travel about 100 <br />miles, but will travel betueen 100 miles and 500 miles to seek out great birding <br />opportunities that have a wide variety and rare bird species. Several survey <br />respondents take yearly trips out of staie or country for birding eperiences. When <br />traveling for birding excursions away from home, most stay overnight for <br />approximately 2 nights in a motel/hotel. The majority of birders wtro took this survey <br />said thai they have been to the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Bymy for birding <br />excursions. What they like best about the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway is <br />lhe variety and number o{ birds that show up due to the diversity of habitat. <br />We also base our projections on use statistics that we receive from the Bureau of <br />Land Management aboui their recreation sites in the Yakima River Canyon Scenic <br />Byuay- Recently released use survey numbers show a steady and significant use <br />pattern in the Canyon that shows nearly 400,000 overnight stays in lhe Canyon <br />during 6 months (May-Oct) in 2017. <br />2500 character linit <br />Application Questions: Parl 2 <br />3lMeasuring Results <br />What tools will you use to measure your event's impact on tourism? Please be specific and proVide examples. lnclude the <br />following information: <br />A. ls your projecUevent year-round or is it seasonal or date-specific? Go to definitions of terms. <br />B. What straiegies will you employ to assure you are attracting tourists from at least 50 miles auay? <br />C. Whai strategies will you use to assist in marketing all of Kittitas County as a tourist destination with your <br />event/project funding request?