…Headwater Economics, a nonprofit organization that studies the economics of natural resources, recently released a report on The Economic Value of Public Lands Around Grand County, Utah. The report analyzes the major economic role that public lands near Grand County, Utah play in the region. The study examined a wide range of public land uses, including mining and agriculture, but focused on recreation because this type of use represents the largest, most complex, and least understood activities on public lands in that county.
The study found that more than one-third of households have a member that works in a tourism and recreation business related to public lands. Nearly two-thirds of local residents indicate that public lands are “extremely important” to their businesses. Tourism and recreation on public lands are the largest economic sector in Grand County. Businesses operating in these areas are the main drivers of the local economy (accounting for 44% of private employment) and also produce a significant amount of tax revenue (16% of local government revenue). …