Research Update: November 2016
Benefits of Dam Removal?
By 2020, more than 70 percent of America’s dams will be more than 50 years old. Six case studies demonstrate the fiscal, economic, environmental, and social benefits of dam removal.
Unequal Access to Trails in Taos, NM
Trails in Taos, New Mexico, contribute to health and quality of life, but differences in access limit benefits for Hispanic and low-income residents.
Socioeconomic Data for Every National Forest Community
Headwaters Economics’ new tool creates detailed reports on local economics, demographics, and land use trends for communities surrounding every National Forest.
New Data: Commercial Activities on National Forests
Headwaters Economics’ updated data interactives describe commercial activities and timber sales for all National Forests, states, and National Forest regions.
New Staff: Kelly Pohl
Kelly is a geographer with expertise in community-based trail development, private land conservation, and wildland fire. She holds a M.S. in Geography from Portland State University.
Research Update August 2016
Does Insurance Affect Home Development on Wildfire-Prone Lands?
Our review shows it is unlikely that insurance rates and policies alone will determine whether or not a landowner builds on wildfire-prone lands.
How Would Federal Coal Reforms Impact the West, Local Communities?
As the federal government reviews its coal program, this report provides important context concerning impacts on coal production, employment, and tax revenue.
Measuring Community Benefits from Trails
Our updated library has 120 studies on trail benefits along with summaries of issues such as legal concerns, business impacts, quality of life, public health, and property values.
Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) Accepting Applications
To help communities reduce wildfire risks, the CPAW program provides technical assistance such as land use planning, forestry expertise, and mapping assessments.
More Than a Third of Western Income Is Not From Jobs
Did you know? Today, 34% of western income comes from investments, rent, age-related programs, and hardship payments. Go to our EPS tool to run a free Non-Labor Income report about your community.