Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking tips on where to spot Peregrine falcons, river otters, bald eagles, Chinook salmon, Karner Blue butterflies and other animals can click on a new Web page, dubbed "Watchable Wildlife," launched today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

New York State has long been one of the nation's premier, year-round destinations for wildlife viewing because of its range of habitats, migration corridors, public lands and public facilities. A national survey estimated that there are nearly four million people who participate in wildlife watching in New York annually, and while participants are increasing their appreciation of nature, they often also contribute to local economies. Watchable Wildlife, which can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/55423.html, provides a user-friendly way to look up the best locales and settings to view wildlife — and helps promote eco-tourism opportunities in the state.

"Wildlife watching is a fun activity that everyone — young and old — can participate in and helps increase public understanding and appreciation of our state's precious natural resources," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "With these new tools being introduced as part of the Watchable Wildlife initiative, DEC and our partners are helping to enhance that experience with convenient and easy ways to help make nature even more accessible."

Web visitors will be able to search by animal type or region, allowing people to find out what's available just around the corner or in other areas of the state.

Whether it's a field trip to see hundreds of migrating hawks or a short drive down the road to a beaver pond, Watchable Wildlife aims to provide a variety of opportunities for residents and out-of-state visitors.

Viewing sites include parks, refuges and wildlife management areas administered by DEC, the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and non-profit groups such as Audubon and The Nature Conservancy.

One special feature about the Web page is the public will be encouraged to nominate new sites; DEC will also continue to add listings as nominations are received and accepted.

"We are excited to be working with DEC to get the word out about the great wildlife viewing opportunities at our many close-to-home state parks, where an incredible diversity of wildlife - many of which are rare or endangered - thrive in their natural habitat," OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash said. "These opportunities are enhanced by education and interpretation programs that help visitors to better understand and appreciate New York's valuable natural resources."

NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said: "New York City parks are natural habitats for hundreds of species of wildlife, including red-tailed hawks, white tailed deer, eastern chipmunk, spotted salamander, great blue heron, largemouth bass and bull frogs. We are happy to partner with DEC on the Watchable Wildlife initiative. This interactive online program will allow New Yorkers to learn about unique opportunities to view wildlife within the city's 29,000 acres of parkland as well as in other regions of New York State."

Empire State Development President and CEO Dennis Mullen added that the initiative DEC's Watchable Wildlife initiative complements the efforts of I Love NY in state residents and visitors to New York's 176 state parks, four mountain ranges, thousands of miles of rivers, streams, canals, lakes and ocean shores.

"The economic impacts of outdoor-related tourism are profound and far-reaching, generating much-needed state and local tax revenue, as well as essential jobs." Mullen said. "Tourism continues to be a vital and growing component of the New York State economy."

Bill Ulfelder, Director of The Nature Conservancy in New York, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to promote greater appreciation of New York's unique natural heritage. By making it easy for families to play, explore and enjoy quality time outdoors, we're able to help the next generation better their health and reconnect with nature."

Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon New York said being that bird watching is the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activity in America, it "should be no surprise that it contributes more than $1.6 billion to the state economy each year.

"By ensuring better promotion of the areas and opportunities to watch birds and other wildlife, this important initiative will help municipalities across the state capitalize on this significant tourism revenue," Caccese continued. "We applaud the DEC, OPRHP and all partners for helping to launch this campaign which will foster a greater appreciation for the state's bird and wildlife species and the need to protect them."