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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.

Diversifying revenue on New Mexico state trust lands

New activities can help guarantee and diversify future revenue from New Mexico state trust lands, complementing the successful Land Grant Permanent Fund.

A red dirt road below rock bluffs in Bears Ears National Monument.

National monuments can boost local economies

Recent studies find that national monument designations do not negatively impact local economic performance, and in many cases strengthen local economies.

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.

Economic Impact of National Parks

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.

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

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?

Recent Public Lands Research

Economic Impact of National Parks

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.

The Bridger Mountains with an agricultural field in the foreground, in Gallatin County, Montana.

Measuring trail use in Montana’s Bridger mountains

Detailed estimates of summer trail use help show the impacts of growing recreational use and highlight infrastructure needs in southwest Montana.

Diversifying revenue on New Mexico state trust lands

New activities can help guarantee and diversify future revenue from New Mexico state trust lands, complementing the successful Land Grant Permanent Fund.

An oil well on Bureau of Land Management land in New Mexico

Federal Fossil Fuel Disbursements to States

States tend to spend, rather than save, federal fossil fuel disbursements, potentially making them vulnerable to economic transitions.

A red dirt road below rock bluffs in Bears Ears National Monument.

National monuments can boost local economies

Recent studies find that national monument designations do not negatively impact local economic performance, and in many cases strengthen local economies.

Commercial receipts earned from management of public lands.

Building a Federal Land Endowment

The bipartisan Forest Health for Rural Stability Act would establish a federal land endowment and resolve key challenges of federal land payments to counties.

Aerial view of rural town in Montana. (Martinsdale, MT)

Tension as Catalyst: Public Lands and the Rural West

View a presentation given at the Our America’s Rural Opportunity forum about the context of public lands and the rural west.

Headwaters-staff-Mark-Haggerty

PILT Proposal Would Help Small-Population Counties

Analysis shows raising Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) population limits for small-population counties would have increased total payments by $2 million in 2019.

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

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.

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

State Trust Lands Part 2: Permanent Funds

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

See all research under Public Lands

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