Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has created a new

committee charged with promoting ecotourism in the state.

Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Secretary Robin Jennison will lead

the 16-member Kansas Ecotourism Steering Committee. Brownback said

Wednesday the panel’s mission is to provide direction, guidance and

marketing strategies to help grow the industry.

Brownback’s office says ecotourism combines conservation and

travel to include such as activities as hiking, biking, camping,

wildlife-watching and river floats. The administration says tourism

overall is Kansas’ third largest industry, with an economic impact

of $5.4 billion.

In the ecotourism niche, the state estimates that 790,000 people

participated in wildlife-watching activities in 2011, spending

about $208 million in related purchases.