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Research

The Outdoor Recreation Economy by State

March 2023

The outdoor recreation economy is large, growing faster than the overall economy, and consists of jobs in many industries. Explore data by state.

Economic Impact of National Parks

September 2022

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.

Outdoor Recreation and New Mexico’s Economy

February 2020

Outdoor recreation is a way of life and economic powerhouse for New Mexico. New Mexico residents enjoy outdoor recreation on more than 35 million acres of public lands and the outdoor recreation economy directly supports $1.2 billion in income and 33,500 jobs.

Using Economics to Support Climate Adaptation

December 2019

Economic methods and data can engage diverse audiences and tell new stories to help cities make a case for climate adaptation.

State Trust Lands Part 1: The Trust Model

November 2019

State Trust Land sign posted at road with rugged landscape. Cacti and sage are throughout the landscape.

States were granted trust lands by the U.S. Congress to generate revenue to fund public institutions, primarily public schools.

State Trust Lands Part 2: Permanent Funds

November 2019

State Trust Land sign posted at road with rugged landscape. Cacti and sage are throughout the landscape.

Overspending of state trust permanent funds reduces future school funding and incentivizes sales of trust land and nonrenewable resources.

State Trust Lands Part 3: New Demands

November 2019

State Trust Land sign posted at road with rugged landscape. Cacti and sage are throughout the landscape.

Changing economies, new land uses, shifting social values, and political pressure create challenges for state trust land managers.

State Trust Lands Part 4: Implications for Federal Land Transfer

November 2019

A sign states "State Trust Land, No Trespassing" along a road in Arizona.

Advocates of transferring federal land to states point to the superior ability of state trust lands to generate revenue, but our analysis finds significant economic and fiscal disadvantages.

Building for Wildfire Summit: Understanding How Homes Burn

November 2019

Video and highlights from an event that brought together diverse community leaders to explore practices for building fire-adapted communities.

Solutions for Transitioning Coal-Dependent Communities

September 2019

The most effective fiscal policies for communities facing transition away from coal dependency are those that build wealth over time and strengthen community capacity.

The Value of Montana’s Outdoors

September 2019

Montana’s outdoors attracts people and talent, creating jobs and a high quality of life. The outdoors is essential to the state’s future economic growth.

Denver Transit Equity Analysis

August 2019

Identify where potential bus rapid transit corridors in the Denver, Colorado Metro Area are most likely to enhance mobility and equity.

Funding Needs for Montana’s Outdoor Heritage

July 2019

Funding for Montana’s working lands, wildlife, and outdoor recreation is not keeping pace as population, visitation, and development pressures expand.

Recreation Counties Across the U.S.

June 2019

Tableau Viz showing recreation counties in the U.S.

Explore economic performance in Recreation Counties across the U.S.

Public Land Ownership in the United States

June 2019

Public lands influence the economy, demographics, and fiscal policies of communities. Explore maps and county-level data for the 828 million acres of federal, state, and municipal land in the U.S.

People and Public Lands Essays

May 2019

Public Lands Forum logo over image of the Sequoia Red Wood forest

What is the economic impact of America’s public lands and waters? How can we quantify how these remarkable resources contribute to our quality of life? And how are our valuation methods and public policies changing?

The Overlooked Importance of Federal Public Land Fiscal Policy

May 2019

Public Lands Forum logo over image of the Sequoia Red Wood forest

Fiscal policy reforms could substantially increase the economic benefits of public lands for states and local communities.

Getting into the Dirt of Public Lands Policy

May 2019

Public Lands Forum logo over image of the Sequoia Red Wood forest

Comprehensive benefit cost analyses of public lands policies are needed.

Democracy, Collective Values, and Public Land

May 2019

Public Lands Forum logo over image of the Sequoia Red Wood forest

A spiritual and cultural treasure and a multi-trillion-dollar asset, public land must be protected.

Rockies Region Natural Resources: The Foundation for Economy and Quality of Life – Then, Now, Tomorrow

May 2019

Public Lands Forum logo over image of the Sequoia Red Wood forest

Natural resources are still the foundation of the Rockies region economy even as it has shifted from extraction-based activities to recreation and tourism.

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