Scott applies his skills with GIS and databases to gathering, manipulating, analyzing, and mapping socioeconomic data for Headwaters Economics. After moving to Montana from Sonoma County, CA, to conduct field research and go to graduate school, he realized that his true calling was the mountains, people, and wide-open spaces of the Rocky Mountain West. With an interest in biology and a knack for technology, Scott collected data on Ponderosa pine forests in central Idaho, mapped prairie dog communities, and examined the effects of fire on bird communities. At Headwaters he uses his experience with data technologies and tools to elucidate socioeconomic issues. Scott loves to hike, bike, and ski in the western landscapes whenever he has free time. He holds a M.S. in Biology from Montana State University.
While national poverty rates dropped in the last year, the county-level picture is mixed.
More than 1,100 communities in 32 states face similar risks to Los Angeles and other places with recent urban wildfires, highlighting the urgent need for wildfire-resistant homes and neighborhoods.
Ten years of data show the outdoor recreation economy has grown in nearly all states and is helping drive economic diversification and workforce development.
The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing faster than the overall economy, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore data by state.
Millions of national park visitors generate economic opportunities for gateway communities, spending money that creates jobs and income. See the trends for every national park service unit.
New climate data and methodology enhances Wildfire Risk to Communities, a free online tool for understanding wildfire risks across the United States.