Public Lands
Protected federal lands—such as wilderness, national parks, or national monuments—are important economic assets that attract people and businesses, as well as new jobs and income. Our research helps communities understand the benefits of nearby public lands.
Economic Impact of National Parks
This interactive and background materials show visits, spending, and the number of jobs created in gateway communities for every National Park Service unit.
Public Land Ownership in the United States
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.
State Trust Lands Part 1: The Trust Model
States were granted trust lands by the U.S. Congress to generate revenue to fund public institutions, primarily public schools.
People and Public Lands Essays
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?