WI Jobs Do Grow on Trees
Monday, January 10, 2011
MADISCON, Wis. - As the administration of new Governor Scott Walker takes control, and the theme is "Wisconsin is open for business," conservation groups in the state are noting that natural resources play a critical role in job creation. The Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters says tourism, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing generate billions of dollars annually. A University of Wisconsin at Madison study found that cycling alone contributes $1.5 billion to Wisconsin's economy every year.
Mark Evans, who organizes tours for Bike Wisconsin, says people want to get close to the state's beauty.
"You're not making a whole lot of noise. You're just rolling down the road, and there's a lot of stuff you can see because you're quiet."
Evans says eco-vacations are becoming more popular in Wisconsin for a number of reasons. He says people get to see the state's beauty close-up and it's environmentally sound.
"Compared to a vacation in a car, it's a lot more environmentally friendly."
Kerry Schumann, executive director of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters, says Wisconsin can remain "open for business" for future generations by keeping the state's natural resources healthy and plentiful.
The state reports in 2009, Wisconsin's tourism industry generated just over $12 billion.
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