Resource titles (below) link to the publications (PDF format). You may print and copy them for your own use, or for your staff or partners. These resources are provided free of charge—you may not accept compensation if you redistribute copies—and they may not be altered in any way. Images and graphics contained in these documents are owned by the copyright holders as indicated in the publications.   

If you would like to talk to any of the Division of Wildlife's Watchable Wildlife Program coordinators about these resources, or you would like to recommend additional resources for this page, please don't hesitate to call or write.  

Karen Hardesty, Northeast Region (Denver): 303/291-7291
John Koshak, Southeast Region (Colorado Springs): 719/227-5221
Jennifer Kleffner, Southwest Region (Durango): 970/375-6704  
Trina Romero, Northwest Region (Grand Junction): 970/255-6191
Renee Herring, DOW Headquarters (Denver): 303/291-7250

Proceeds from the Colorado Lottery, through Great Outdoors Colorado, help fund Colorado's Watchable Wildlife Program and Wildlife Watch. These programs provide and support positive and sustainable wildlife viewing recreation experiences.

1. A Guide to Wildlife Viewing and Photography Blinds: Creating Facilities to Connect People with Nature
   Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2007. Updated and expanded 2009!
   
   This guide provides information and discussion to help resource and recreation managers meet the needs of wildlife viewers, and to choose viewing blind designs that may have the least impact on wildlife. It also contains an overview of planning considerations, with checklists to aid in project preparation, and has examples, case studies, and photographs of blinds from western states. (For this project, the DOW partnered with Deborah Richie Oberbillig, of Deborah Richie Communications.)
   
   
2. Providing Positive Wildlife Viewing Experiences
   Colorado Division of Wildlife and Watchable Wildlife, Inc.
   
   How can you satisfy a public fascinated by wildlife and still keep the viewing experience "wild"? Here are practical planning suggestions to create viewing blinds, boardwalks, viewing trails, and much more, including viewing ethics and viewing site case studies.
   
   
3. Everyone's Nature: Accessible Outdoor Facilities and Programs Using Universal Design
   Colorado Division of Wildlife and Watchable Wildlife, Inc.
   
   From the Web site of WW, Inc.: "Everyone's Nature is an essential guide for maximizing visitor accessibility and enjoyment through universal design at all outdoor recreation facilities and programs. Park managers, designers, interpreters, educators and maintenance supervisors will appreciate the straightforward information.  Reproducible checklists found throughout the book help those involved in outdoor recreation access their program and facility with integrity and confidence."
   
   
4. The Impacts Of Wildlife Viewing And Related Non-Consumptive Outdoor Recreation Activities On Avian Populations: An Annotated Bibliography 
   Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2007.
   
   This report is useful for land managers, planners, organizations, and individuals who aim to develop or manage bird watching sites. The information was compiled to guide the development of a statewide birding trail in Colorado, the Colorado Birding Trail. Research highlighted in the 20-page bibliography relates to potential impacts upon birds or bird habitat through birdwatching and related activities. (See what's happening with the Colorado Birding Trail!)
   
   
5. Wildlife Viewing In Colorado: A Review And Synthesis Of Existing Data
   Colorado State University and Colorado Division of Wildlife. 2001.
   
   This report highlights and consolidates the findings of ten years of human dimensions studies that included information about wildlife viewing participation and experience preferences.
   
   
6. Participation In And Economic Benefits Of Watchable Wildlife
    
   These links go to reports provided by credible agencies and organizations tracking participation in wildlife viewing and related activities.
    
   a. The US Fish And Wildlife Service National Survey Of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation. 2006.  
    
   b. The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy. Fall, 2006.
   
   
7. Understanding Visitor Attitudes, Beliefs, And Motivations about Feeding Wildlife: A Literature Synthesis and Recommendations for Developing Signs to Deter Wildlife Feeding. (4.7MB) 2003.
   
   The University of Idaho prepared this informative paper at the request of the Division of Wildlife in 2003. The paper notes and provides discussion on literature that relates to sign effectiveness, persuasive communication, and human-wildlife interactions. The authors provide recommendations for the design of effective sign media and an extensive annotated bibliography. Since this report, the University of Idaho has completed new research relating to this topic. See the Journal of Interpretation Research; 2007; 12(1) The Effect of Moral and Fear Appeals on Park Visitors' Beliefs about Feeding Wildlife; Karen S. Hockett, Troy Hall.
   
   
8. A Human-Dimensions Review of Human-Wildlife Disturbance: A Literature Review of Impacts, Frameworks, and Management Solutions
   The U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey. 2007.
   
   (This is a large (10MB) PDF file.)
   
   
9. Professional Development Opportunities:
   
   a. National Watchable Wildlife Conference—Watchable Wildlife, Inc.
   
   b. National Interpreter's Workshop—National Association for Interpretation