University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division
Analysis of the Impact of Bald Eagle Tourism in Kentucky Communities
Presenter Hometown
Lake Worth, FL
Major
Recreation and Park Administration
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Michael J. Bradley
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Brown, Annamarie, "Analysis of the Impact of Bald Eagle Tourism in Kentucky Communities" (2020). University Presentation Showcase Event. 5.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2020/graduate/5
Abstract
Historically, Kentucky did not have known bald eagle nesting activity (Monroe and Mengel, 1941). After the USA banned the pesticide DDT in 1972, though, and the development of infrastructure leading to many Kentucky Lakes, the altered aquatic environment, and the native flora surrounding the water, forged an ideal area for bald eagle wintering (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), 2014). From 1986 to 2010, bald eagle sightings displayed a positive trend (Eakle, Bond, Fuller, Fischer, & Steenhoff, 2015). Now, all counties in western Kentucky have known bald eagle nesting activity (KDFWR, 2017). The Outdoor Industry Association estimated (for Kentucky) that $12.8 billion of the economic impact of tourism in 2016 came from outdoor recreation participation (NKY Tribune, 2017). Considering outdoor recreation’s impact in Kentucky, it is crucial to explore the economic impact of bald eagle tourism. Bald eagles were threatened in the 20th century, so it is necessary to continue to limit the use of pesticides, monitor fish levels, and maintain the appropriate forested areas to continue fostering a conducive wintering environment for bald eagles. Nesting sites in Kentucky are primarily in protected areas, so the state has the ideal infrastructure to responsibly increase bald eagle tourism. Parks and forests must work with communities to provide interpretation, equipment, and improve specialized bird tours during the winter season. The purpose of this research project is to explore the current state of bald eagle tourism in Kentucky and to assess the potential economic impact of this outdoor activity on its community.
Presentation format
Poster
Analysis of the Impact of Bald Eagle Tourism in Kentucky Communities
Historically, Kentucky did not have known bald eagle nesting activity (Monroe and Mengel, 1941). After the USA banned the pesticide DDT in 1972, though, and the development of infrastructure leading to many Kentucky Lakes, the altered aquatic environment, and the native flora surrounding the water, forged an ideal area for bald eagle wintering (Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), 2014). From 1986 to 2010, bald eagle sightings displayed a positive trend (Eakle, Bond, Fuller, Fischer, & Steenhoff, 2015). Now, all counties in western Kentucky have known bald eagle nesting activity (KDFWR, 2017). The Outdoor Industry Association estimated (for Kentucky) that $12.8 billion of the economic impact of tourism in 2016 came from outdoor recreation participation (NKY Tribune, 2017). Considering outdoor recreation’s impact in Kentucky, it is crucial to explore the economic impact of bald eagle tourism. Bald eagles were threatened in the 20th century, so it is necessary to continue to limit the use of pesticides, monitor fish levels, and maintain the appropriate forested areas to continue fostering a conducive wintering environment for bald eagles. Nesting sites in Kentucky are primarily in protected areas, so the state has the ideal infrastructure to responsibly increase bald eagle tourism. Parks and forests must work with communities to provide interpretation, equipment, and improve specialized bird tours during the winter season. The purpose of this research project is to explore the current state of bald eagle tourism in Kentucky and to assess the potential economic impact of this outdoor activity on its community.
