The wildfires that burned the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park devastated nearby communities and underscore the need to reduce the risks and costs of future catastrophic events.
Archives for 2016
As Energy Market Forces Shift Coal Woes West, Transition Planning Should Follow
The new Administration’s plans to remove coal regulations should not dampen efforts to shift coal transition planning West to assist displaced workers and diversify coal-dependent communities.
Newsletter: December 2016
Our latest research on oil & natural gas taxes, the value of public and protected lands, communities utilizing land use planning to reduce wildfire risks and costs, trail use in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and migration patterns across the American West.
Trail and Pathway Use in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Explore seasonal use—including the amount, type, and timing—for 25 regional trails and pathways.
Newsletter: November 2016
Our latest research on dam removal benefits, Taos trails and access, socioeconomic data for every National Forest community, commercial activities on National Forests, and our newest staffer Kelly Pohl.
Dam Removal Case Studies
Six dam removal case studies on the fiscal, economic, environmental, and social benefits of dam removal.
Taos Trails Are Popular But Trail Access Varies
In the Taos, New Mexico area trails are a fundamental part of health and quality of life, but differences in access to trails may limit the benefits for Hispanic and low-income residents.
Federal Coal Program in Context
Explore the Socioeconomic Context of the Federal Coal Leasing Program
County Payments Research
County governments are compensated for the tax-exempt status of federal public lands within their boundaries. These payments often constitute a significant portion of county and school budgets, particularly in rural counties with extensive public land ownership.
Trails Are Good for All But Not Available to All
Trails are good for people, but the health and social benefits of trails are not equally available to everyone.
Trails and the Elusive Quality of Life
Many people talk about trails and quality of life, but how do we measure and obtain it?
Economic Conditions in Communities Dependent on Federal Coal
This blog draws on federal data and research to describe more about the local economies of the communities dependent on federal coal.
Changed Electric Power Markets Create New Volatility for Coal
Lower overall coal generating capacity—the outcome of coal fired power plant retirements and a demand for coal that rises and falls depending on natural gas prices—will create new volatility for coal jobs and for counties, schools, and states that depend on tax revenues from coal.
Newsletter: August and November 2016
Our latest research on dam removal benefits, Taos trails and access, socioeconomic data for every National Forest community, commercial activities on National Forests, and our newest staffer Kelly Pohl.
Does Insurance Affect Home Development on Wildfire-Prone Lands?
It is unlikely that insurance rates and policies alone will determine whether or not a landowner decides to build a new home on wildfire-prone land.
Identifying Communities at Risk to Wildfire
Mapping and understanding communities at risk from wildfires just became easier with a new interactive tool generated by Headwaters Economics.
Newsletter: May 2016
Our latest research showing the economic impact of every National Park Service unit, ways to reform wildlife refuge payments to local governments, an improved trails library, and a survey of the value of trails in Bonner County, Idaho.
Measuring the Benefit of Trails to Communities
Updated tools, research, and studies on the benefit of trails to communities and local citizens.
Wildlife Refuge Payments: Reforms and Funding
How national wildlife refuge payments–especially important to rural counties–could be reformed and funded.
Reforming Wildlife Refuge Payments
How county governments can benefit from reforming wildlife refuge payments.