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For Immediate Release
New Report Find Vibrant Red Wolf Population Could Generate Millions in Tourism Dollars for Tyrrell and Hyde Counties
WASHINGTON - Tyrrell and Hyde County residents view the presence of the red wolf as an intricate piece in an ongoing plan to strengthen the area's economic base and expand its job opportunities by attracting more tourists through ecotourism activities, according to a new report commissioned and released today by Defenders of Wildlife. The report, written by Dr. Gail Y. B. Lash and Pamela Black of Ursa International, reveals that Outer Banks visitors would engage in and pay for red wolf-centered activities on the "Inner Banks." As a result, Tyrrell and Hyde counties would benefit from an increase in income generated by tourism, recreation-related visits and jobs.
One idea under consideration is a proposed red wolf education center.
"Today's report shows that species conservation can go hand-in-hand with economic development," stated Dr. Frank Casey, Director of Conservation Economics for Defenders of Wildlife. "A new red wolf center and related wildlife-based activities could generate millions of dollars for parts of North Carolina's economy."
The study entailed surveys of Outer Banks tourists to determine their interest in taking inland tours. It also included surveys taken from residents and at public meetings to document the capacity and opportunities for landowners in Tyrrell and Hyde counties to develop tourism based on red wolves and other wildlife. It found that conservationists' attitudes in the counties are in line with red wolf ecotourism goals. Residents want to preserve their rural, naturalsettings in the same way ecotourism would protect it.
"What we found was that more than 90 percent of Outer Bank visitors are interested in making day trips to the 'Inner Banks' for activities that could be available at a red wolf center," stated Nina Fascione, Vice President of Species Conservation for Defenders of Wildlife. "North Carolina is the only place in the world where red wolves live. This unique advantage sets the area apart and distinguishes it as a one-of-a-kind attraction for visitors on their way to and from the Outer Banks."
Red wolves were the first species extinct in the wild to be reintroduced to their natural habitat. According to recent estimates, there is currently approximately 100 wild red wolves in five counties in North Carolina.
The research was funded by the Alex C. Walker Educational and Charitable Foundation and conducted in cooperation with the Red Wolf Coalition, the Columbia Ecotourism Steering Committee, and the Conservation Fund.
Read the report: Creating Economic Opportunity Through Ecotourism in Rural North Carolina .
