Platte River Birding and the Spring Migration: Humans, Value, and Unique Ecological Resources

Abstract

Each spring Sandhill Cranes migrate north through the Platte River region to nesting grounds. Wildlife watchers were surveyed to understand the extent to which they valued the ecological resources that provided birding opportunities. A mail questionnaire containing scenarios (with a cost attached to each) focused on management programs to preserve the present status of the river, proposed changes in species diversity, and on Sandhill Crane population levels. Birders were willing to bear the cost of resource conservation, particularly those expenses related to efforts to protect Sandhill Cranes and their habitats. Also, crane population declines were viewed as a diminishment in value, and thus lower numbers of cranes would lead to decreased recreational activity. Birders were less supportive of programs to conserve or enhance wildlife diversity. Birders were likely attracted by the wildlife spectacle rather than unusual or unique species. Overall, they valued species diversity less than species abundance.