Last year the Wildlife Division of the Department of Natural Resources funded a telephone survey of 1,002 Maryland residents to determine public support, participation and attitudes toward wildlife viewing in the state.
Responsive Management, the Virginia firm that also conducted a survey last year on an early muzzleloader hunting season for deer in Maryland, found that almost 75 percent of those interviewed indicated they might have an interest in observing wildlife.
In response to the results of the survey and a trend documented over the past 20 years by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wildlife Division has begun a Watchable Wildlife program to increase viewing and photographic opportunities.
Earlier USFWS surveys found that from 1980 to 1990, for example, the number of people watching, photographing and feeding wildlife increased by 87 percent. In Maryland, some 750,000 residents and nonresidents who viewed wildlife contributed $92 million to the state's economy in 1990, according to USFWS statistics.
The first of the Watchable Wildlife events will be held on the Eastern Shore May 5 through May 7 next year with the cooperation of the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague Island National Seashore and DNR's Wildlife Management Areas.
"Through the cooperative production of events like this and through the development of specific sites where wildlife can be seen but not disturbed," DNR Secretary Torrey C. Brown said, "we hope to increase awareness and understanding of the need for wildlife habitat conservation."
The event also will take place when there are a great number of migratory bird species passing through the state and will coincide with the Salisbury Festival and the Ocean City Springfest.
Boat sharing program
Over the past decade, fleets of J/Boats have become popular among sailing racers -- the J/22 and J/24 especially have had a special appeal to crews and skippers with moderate incomes and high levels of competition.
This past weekend, J/Boats Chesapeake started a new program in Annapolis -- the J/Port Sailing Club, which would allow members to race or cruise the new J/Sprit boats for minimal costs to consumers.
"We believe the club concept makes sense, both for people who have the resources but not the time it takes to keep the boat up to snuff," said managing director Jodi Hillmar, "and for those who would like to own a performance boat but are not in the financial position at the moment."
For annual fees ranging from $1,800 to $3,600, individuals may cruise a set number of days or race or daysail, whenever a boat is available, without mortgage payments, slip fees, insurance premiums or maintenance costs.
Boats in the program range from 26 to 36 feet.
Sailors buying memberships would have to complete a two-day certification program, and after Dec. 15, a one-time $1,200 initiation fee must be paid. The fee will be waived until Dec. 15.