Headwaters Economics

Independent Nonpartisan Research

Montana

Clean Energy Transmission

Headwaters Economics analyzed transmission infrastructure issues from the perspective of regional economic development, and other topics most relevant to local and state decision makers.

County Level Drilling Activity, 2001-2011

This report focuses on county-level details of drilling rig activity for the period 2001 to 2011 in the six Rocky Mountain oil and gas states of Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Missoula County Homes at Risk in Flood and Wildfire Areas

These two slideshows and related information use Missoula County and Western Montana to show how many homes have been built in flood and wildfire hazard areas, which are vulnerable to larger and more frequent floods and fires.

Fossil Fuel Extraction and Western Economies

This study analyzes the fossil fuel economy in five Rocky Mountain states—CO, MT, NM, UT, and WY—and how states and communities can maximize benefits and minimize the costs of energy development.

Crown of the Continent and Climate Change

This report studies the possible effects of climate change in the Crown of the Continent on two “snow-pack” dependent sectors of the economy–downhill skiing and recreational fishing.

Yellowstone River Atlas

This site documents the economic and demographic conditions of counties bordering the Yellowstone River, and displays maps showing past, current, and forecasted residential development along the river.