Chamber speaker explores ecotourism
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There just about could not be a better time to have one of the world’s most prominent owl researchers in Ronan to talk about ecotourism.
But Denver Holt, Director of the Owl Research Institute, for a change doesn’t have to rack up much mileage to be the guest speaker for the monthly luncheon of the Ronan Chamber of Commerce. It’s a short jaunt from his home outside Charlo to the Ronan Golf Course.
But the biggest challenge Holt may have is to get time away from the plethora of media and visitor inquiries about the recent arrival of snowy owls to the Mission Valley.
And the yearly arrival of the unique bird and the number of people who flock — for lack of a better word — to observe them is what Holt has for years preached as just a part of an untapped Montana economic resource.
And it is not just the snowy owl that prompts enthusiasts to gather for a chance to see the seemingly mystical fowl — one of which incidentally travels with Harry Potter — but because there are more owl species in western Montana than anywhere in the United States.
And of the 15 different species, 14 choose to breed in the state, with a dozen or so in the Mission Valley prompting the most ardent birdwatchers to extensively travel thousands of miles to cast a glimpse and identify owl species.
Such visitors and the attraction of the area to a green-conscious constituency represents s an untapped opportunity and a valuable economic resource.
The public is invited to Holt’s presentation and the monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting at noon Feb. 2 at the Ronan Golf Course east of town on Round Butte Road. Lunch also is available for $8.
(Editor’s note: Mick Holien is a Ronan Chamber of Commerce board member.)
