How are waterfowl important to Maine?
Fish and wildlife play an important role in the lives of Maine people. Healthy freshwater wetlands are rich in biodiversity, which is integral to Maine ‘s economy and to the aesthetic, recreational, and ecological values which define a way of life for Maine residents and draw so many visitors to the state. Maine ranks sixth nationally when comparing the percentage of people who participate in hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife related outdoor recreation (USFWS 2001). However, fish and wildlife provide more than a source of enjoyment and recreation. A University of Maine report (Teisl and Boyle 1998) estimated that fish and wildlife related recreation contributed over one billion dollars in economic output: $342 million in payroll, 17,680 jobs, and $67 million in sales and income tax revenue. At over a billion dollars annually, hunting, fishing, and wildlife-associated recreation generates over four times the economic output of the ski and snowboard industry (source: Ski Maine Ass
