Specifics of creating a 'nature tourism' business covered at recent workshop

By LORI COPE | East Texas Edition

March 20, 2003 -- Because of the wealth of information provided at the recent Nature Tourism Workshop, inklings of starting such a business were likely spurred to full-fledged ideas.

Eight speakers presented detailed information at the workshop, held in Canton in early February, ranging from how to develop a business plan to how to legally protect it once it is going.

Basically, nature tourism is economic development for rural areas, according to Texas Department of Agriculture's Claire Spivey. "The urbanites, they want to escape. They want to come see the beauty; experience the slow lifestyle we have."

Spivey, who works within TDA's Rural Economic Development division, pointed out now is the time to capitalize on the general public's desire to get away - but not too far away. "Fewer people are wanting to fly nowadays. But they'll travel (by vehicle) three to six hours" to escape the city's hustle and bustle.

"And they are not wanting just the 'soft' experience; they want to saddle the horse and learn what this is, what that is. They are smart. They don't want to get on a horse and just go nose-to-butt" down a trail, she emphasized.

Meeting the public's sense of escape, plus supplying them with a variety of things to do and see, are keys to developing a good nature tourism business. A bed-and-breakfast could also offer pick-your-own gardens and jelly-making lessons, plus hunting and fishing opportunities coupled with nature walking trails.

Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Extension wildlife specialist, said two-thirds of the nation's wildlife, and thus hunting/fishing opportunities, are on privately-owned land. Persons wanting to capitalize on this avenue, and draw wildlife to their property, should provide, or create, the necessary habitat.

Each animal needs a specific habitat: food, cover, water, and living space. No two species will share habitat requirements, so "the more of those (four) habitats you provide, the more wildlife you will attract."

Higginbotham noted an attractive outdoor wildlife experience "doesn't have to (provide) something they take home to eat." Many will enjoy the outdoors by walking trails, or looking at or photographing birds and other wildlife. Trails can feature trees labeled with their species name, signs describing the area's habitat and what animals to look for, etc.

While hunting and nature trails are popular, Higginbotham said more people fish than hunt. "East Texas has a lot of water," he said, "and sportfishing is a big demand on private land because more are going to the public sites." Those escaping the city's hustle and bustle also want some privacy, therefore stocked farm ponds can be a big attraction.

All the speakers at the Feb. 4 workshop keyed on creating a nature tourism business that offers "a unique experience." A fishing pond that features a covered area and deck, plus chairs and fishing tackle and bait, is attractive to a paying customer.

Publicizing the "experience" offered by the nature tourism business is also key. As Country World editor, I offered some tips on "build it and they will come, if they know about it."

Whether the publicity for the business is in the form of a purchased newspaper advertisement or submitted press release, the reader must be able to quickly sense how the site will provide a great experience. Photos, whether in ads or with a story, are excellent tools for publicity. For example, a photo for a nature trail site should convey what the paying customer will "feel," or experience. The business owner can photograph a couple walking down the trail, maybe hand-in-hand, or with a small child between them. Or, if there is to be a special event at the site, such as an Easter egg hunt, publicize prior to the event with a staged photo that conveys a child's excitement of finding an egg.

For more details on developing a nature tourism business, several state agencies are available. "Use all the free avenues you possibly can," stressed Dr. Greg Clary, Extension economist. He pointed to several "tax-supported entities," such as Texas Cooperative Extension and Texas Department of Agriculture that have personnel ready to assist in developing ideas, business plans, obtaining necessary permits, writing hunting leases, etc.