— Minority populations are growing in nearly all rural western counties, helping booming communities expand and slowing the decline in counties that otherwise would have lost people.
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West
Region 4
The Economic Importance of National Monuments to Communities
— This UPDATED research and interactive charts show that the local economies adjacent to all 17 national monuments studied in the West expanded following the monument’s creation.
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Commercial Activities on National Forests
— Updated: Headwaters Economics produced two interactive maps to show the range of commercial activities on National Forests at the Forest, state and forest region levels.
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Mark Haggerty
The Context and Status of Colstrip’s Coal-Fired Power Plant
— A guide to planning for the long-term social, economic and environmental well-being of the community of Colstrip, Montana.
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Why the Rural West Matters
— The rural West matters for at least three important reasons: the vitality of the region’s landscape; its impact on local, state, and national politics; and the future of the area’s people and communities.
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The Value of Public Lands
— Headwaters Economics compiled a number of regional reports, case studies, tools, research library, and related news articles on the value of public lands to nearby communities.
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Rural Economic Development in Lincoln, Montana
— Many rural western towns face economic uncertainty. This report—informed by interviews and public meetings with residents—compares Lincoln to peer communities and outlines rural economic development options building on the town’s strengths.
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Wildfire Experts’ Paper Informs Effective Policy
— Wildfire experts outline key science insights important to inform policy discussions and development while reducing future risks and costs.
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Comparing Trends and Prosperity in Gunnison County
— Explore socioeconomic trends in Gunnison County and neighboring Colorado counties.
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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.
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Ray Rasker, Ph.D.
Rural Communities, School Kids, and Federal Lands in the West
— While most western rural counties are aging and losing young families, the loss of school kids in rural western counties with protected lands such as National Monuments was, on average, less than half the rate of loss for similar counties without protected lands.
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Time to Create a Natural Resources Trust
— Unlike most countries and state governments, the U.S. has not created a natural resources trust which could help meet volatility and spending challenges facing local and county governments.
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Federal Lands in the West: Liability or Asset?
— Update: Rural counties in the West with more federal lands performed better on average than their peers with less federal lands in four key economic measures.
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Trail and Pathway Use in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
— Explore seasonal use—including the amount, type, and timing—for 25 regional trails and pathways.
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Taos Trails Are Popular But Trail Access Varies
— In the Taos, New Mexico area trails are a fundamental part of health and quality of life, but differences in access to trails may limit the benefits for Hispanic and low-income residents.
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County Payments Research
— County governments are compensated for the tax-exempt status of federal public lands within their boundaries. These payments often constitute a significant portion of county and school budgets, particularly in rural counties with extensive public land ownership.
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Does Insurance Affect Home Development on Wildfire-Prone Lands?
— It is unlikely that insurance rates and policies alone will determine whether or not a landowner decides to build a new home on wildfire-prone land.
read moreOregon Snowmobiler Participation and Priorities
— Across Oregon, snowmobilers account for approximately 353,000 user days per year and $15 million in spending associated with snowmobile trips. Respondents are most concerned about the availability of backcountry, off-trail riding opportunities and sustaining access to existing riding areas.
read moreOutdoor Recreation Scarcity and Abundance in Western Oregon: A Spatial Analysis
— Across western Oregon, there is substantial variation in how well the supply of hiking, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails meets demand for these trails by local users. Although some communities have many miles of trails, such as the 146 miles of mountain biking trails within 60 minutes of Portland, the supply of trails may be too low to support the number of people using them.
read moreOregon Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Participation and Priorities
— Across Oregon, off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders account for approximately 3.1 million days of riding per year and nearly $100 million in spending. Sixty percent of respondents support increasing the OHV registration fee from $10 to $15, and more than half identify the maintenance of existing trails as the most important funding priority.
read moreBonner County Trails Final Survey Results
— In rural Bonner County in northern Idaho, trails are used by three-quarters of residents an average of every day in the summer and every other day in the winter. Trail use is high for all residents, even accounting for differences in the length of residence in the county, income, and age. Business owners are more likely to identify trails as an important factor in their decision to move to the county.
read moreHappy Trails: The Effect of a Media Campaign on Urban Trail Use in Southern Nevada
— A media campaign to promote a trails information site in Las Vegas, Nevada appears to have significantly increased trail use across most trails studied. The size of the gain in trail use appears to be independent of trail lighting, landscaping, and trail length.
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Summary: Wildfire Costs, New Development, and Rising Temperatures
— This summary highlights the major research Headwaters Economics has conducted concerning controlling fire suppression costs, state case studies, and the growth of homes in the WUI.
read moreNewsletter: March 2016
— Our latest research on communities threatened by wildfire, the West's economy, trail and pathway use in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and a report on planning for Montana's energy transition.
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West’s Economy Outperforming Rest of United States
— Explore the West’s economy, regional performance, and what is driving economic growth.
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Survey Finds Trails Valued Across Bonner County
— Survey provides information on Bonner County's trail system and will help prioritize improvements based on resident usage, satisfaction, reasons for living in the area.
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Planning for Montana’s Energy Transition
— While Montana is likely to experience relatively small impacts, coal-dependent communities in Eastern Montana are likely to feel the acute effects of job losses and declining tax revenue in the coming decades.
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Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D
Rising Wildfire Costs Encourage Better Land Use Planning
— Five urban areas in the West and Southwest are taking steps to mitigate wildfire risks and costs through the perspective of land use planning.
read moreNewsletter: February 2016
— Our latest research on federal lands in the rural West, land use planning to reduce wildfire risk, and a paper from ten wildfire experts to inform future policy decisions.
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Land Use Planning to Reduce Wildfire Risk
— Case studies show how five urban areas in the West are using innovative land use planning tools to adapt to the increasing risks from wildfires.
read moreAdapting To the New Economy: The Impacts of Mountain Bike Tourism in Oakridge, Oregon
— Mountain biking in Oakridge, Oregon contributes substantial economic activity to a small, isolated community deeply affected by the loss of timber jobs. Although the recent rapid growth in the area’s popularity has some residents concerned about cultural change, user conflicts, and environmental concerns, the author is confident these challenges can be overcome.
read moreEconomic Benefits of Mountain Bike Tourism for Santa Cruz County
— This report on the potential for mountain bike tourism in Santa Cruz County, California demonstrates how trail advocates can use existing research studies to help make a case for trail development in their community. The authors argue that the presence of significant bike industry companies, a large existing social trail network, and appealing climate and terrain create a strong potential for mountain bike tourism.
read moreOregon Non-Motorized Trail Participation and Priorities
— Non-motorized trail users in Oregon account for 162.3 million user days per year, and the vast majority of these days are spent walking or hiking. While these recreation days are associated with substantial expenditures, the amount spent per person per day and the total economic impact vary greatly within the state.
read moreYellowstone-Grand Teton Loop Bicycle Pathway Estimated Economic Impact
— A 262-mile cycle touring loop connecting Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, with significant portions on non-motorized pathways, has the potential to generate important economic activity in the small communities through which it would pass. However, due to the challenges of estimating economic impact across a large area and areas close to national parks, the use and economic impact estimates are likely overstated.
read moreJackson Hole Pathways and Trails Survey
— In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a random, statistically representative survey gathered information about residents’ opinions of pathways and trails, including levels and types of use, satisfaction, strengths and weaknesses, and the role the trail system plays in quality of life. The survey found that 91 percent of residents had used the trail system in the previous 12 months and the trail system functions well for recreation, but could use improvements to serve transportation needs.
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Outcomes of Higher Federal Coal and Natural Gas Royalty Rates
— Analysis shows that proposed federal royalty reforms will increase the cost of delivering natural gas to domestic power plants by a greater amount than coal.
read moreNewsletter: December 2015
— Our latest research on the Three Wests, the impacts of federal royalty rate reforms on coal and natural gas, home construction in Montana, and our newest staffer: Janet Clark.
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Chris Mehl
Know Your Economy: Economic Tools Updated for Every County
— Understanding the local economy, and how it compares to peers, is a crucial part of smart community and economic development. Several new tools, utilizing the latest data (through 2014), now are available for every county in the nation.
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Patricia Gude
Urban Areas Drive Economic Growth in the West
— Despite being known for its rural landscapes, the West is surprisingly urban.
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Chris Mehl
The West Today: What Sectors Drive the Economy?
— In the West today, what economic sectors are driving the economy and make up the growing workforce?
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Three Wests: Access to Markets Affects Performance
— There are three distinct types of counties in the West—Metro, Connected, and Isolated—defined by their access to major markets and population centers.
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Home Construction in Montana
— Montana’s housing market is recovering. Explore historical and recent trends in home construction for the state and every county in Montana.
read moreNewsletter: September 2015
— Our latest research on the benefits of LWCF, home construction in the High Divide region, commercial activities on National Forests, and our newest staffer: Kimiko Barrett.
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Home Construction in the High Divide
— The High Divide region, recognized as one of the most intact biological areas in the lower 48 states, is attracting many new residents and home construction is changing the landscape.
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Wildfire Increasingly an Urban Issue
— Wildfires increasingly are threatening urban areas—often repeatedly—putting more homes, lives, infrastructure, and other resources at risk.
read moreNewsletter: June 2015
— Our latest research on the updated EPS, economic impacts of National Park Service units, better planning to reduce wildfire risk, the latest county payments and projections, and the new website.
read moreNewsletter: May 2015
— Our latest research on federal coal royalty reform, reducing wildfire threats, trail user surveys, and Bonner County, Idaho's resilient economy.
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Reducing Wildfire Risk to Communities
— This report outlines a number of solutions to alter the pace, scale, and pattern of future development in the Wildland-Urban Interface.
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Bonner County, Idaho’s Resilient Economy
— Analysis shows that Bonner County’s economy has grown steadily and been resilient, despite recessions and losing several large employers, and many local businesses are committed to the community and its high quality of life.
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Better Planning to Reduce Wildfire Risk: A Summit County Case Study and Lessons for Other Communities
— Wildfires pose a growing threat to many communities. As more development occurs near wildfire-prone lands, there is a growing need to reduce risk through improved land use policies and tools.
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Teton County Trails & Pathways Survey Shows Extensive Local Use
— Survey shows that nine out of 10 respondents use the pathways and trails in Teton County, Wyoming. Such surveys help community leaders, stakeholders, and citizens plan for the future of pathways and trails systems.
read moreNewsletter: April 2015
— Our latest research on trails, the economic value of public lands in Grand County, Utah, economic development opportunities in Wheeler County, Oregon, and climate impacts in the Great Lakes region.
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Economic Development Opportunities in Wheeler County, Oregon
— Like many rural counties in the West, Wheeler County faces economic difficulties. It also has untapped resources and opportunities, which suggest the possibility of a brighter economic future.
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County Payment Reform Ideas, and Analysis of Recent Proposals
— Reform ideas for future county payments from Headwaters Economics as well analysis of proposals made in the House, Senate, and by the President.
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The Economic Value of Public Lands in Grand County, Utah
— This updated report analyzes the economic value of public lands in Grand County, Utah and the important role that these lands play for local businesses and the well-being of the region’s economy.
read moreBicycling and Walking in Colorado: Economic Impact and Household Survey Results
— This study found that bicycle tourism draws summertime tourists to Colorado ski areas who would not have come otherwise, many of whom come from out-of-state and generate valuable economic impact. State-wide, residents are most concerned about the safety of cycling and strongly support spending on improvements such as new paved off-street bike paths and linking paths to create a statewide system.
read moreEvaluation of the Burke-Gilman Trail’s Effect on Property Values and Crime
— This study found that the Burke Gilman Trail in Seattle is most often seen as an asset by those who moved to the neighborhood after it was built, while those who have lived there since before the trail was built are less likely to see the trail as increasing the sales price or ease of selling their home. Crime associated with the trail is negligible and adjacent property owners’ biggest concern is privacy.
read moreWhatcom Mountain Bike Coalition Rider Survey
— This study found that the Galbraith Mountain mountain bike trail system is a valuable asset for local residents, many of whom moved to the area or stay in the area because of the trails, and for visitors, who visit frequently and spend money at local businesses. While the club building the trails is developing a destination-worthy trail system, they are also providing significant benefits for the local cycling community.
read moreAnalysis of Touring Cyclists: Impacts, Needs and Opportunities for Montana
— This study found that cycle tourists in Montana spend an average of $76 per day and stay eight days in the state during their trip, much longer than the average tourist. Safety is cycle tourists’ top priority, so supporting more cycle touring in the state requires investments in safer routes, including narrower rumble strips, wider shoulders, and bike paths separate from roadways in high-traffic, high-speed areas.
read moreAn Economic Impact Study of Bicycling in Arizona
— This study found that Arizona drew 14,000 out-of-state visitors to 250 cycling events in 2012. Because most participants stay for an average of only four days, their visits have a relatively small economic impact in the state-wide economy. However, these events are likely significant to small towns (see 69) and local spending associated with Arizona residents traveling within the state may generate significant additional economic impact (see a similar study in Oregon 68).
read moreProject Brief: The Economic Impact of Mountain Bicycle Events in Oregon
— This study found that mountain biking events in Oregon are popular, with a large proportion of overnight visitors who stay for several nights. While these events can generate a large spending infusion for local businesses, particularly in small communities, it is typically short-lived unless the event adds to visitation throughout the season.
read moreColumbia River Gorge Bicycle Recreation: Economic Impact Forecast for the Communities along the Historic Columbia River Highway
— This study found that road cycling and mountain biking are valuable sources of income for communities close to the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. According to survey results, a proposed trail improvement that would increase the uninterrupted length of the trail and improve rider safety could significantly increase economic impact by increasing the trail’s appeal for overnight users.
read moreThe Economic Significance of Bicycle-Related Travel in Oregon: Detailed State and Travel Region Estimates, 2012
— This study found that bicycle-related tourism in Oregon attracts many visitors, both from within and outside the state, to participate in a range of activities. While the impacts of visitor spending are relatively small relative to the state’s economy, it likely has a large effect in smaller towns, especially when associated with large events.
read moreEconomic Impacts of MVSTA Trails and Land Resources in the Methow Valley
— This study found that the 200-kilometer Nordic skiing trail network in the Methow Valley of Washington state is the reason why many people visit the area and choose to purchase homes there. Non-resident trail users and residents alike are largely willing to pay some amount of money to support trail maintenance and additional trail construction.
read moreThe Economic Impact of Snowmobiling in Valley County
— This study found that snowmobilers from outside Valley County, Idaho are an important source of revenue during the winter months, spending an average of three days per trip and $106 per day. This revenue stream is highly susceptible to weather, with visits dropping 40 percent in a low snow year.
read moreMontana Recreational Snowmobiles: Fuel-Use and Spending Patterns 2013
— This study found that snowmobiling is associated with high daily spending in Montana, with the average resident snowmobiler spending $108 per day and the average non-resident spending $148 per day. Despite the 4,000 miles of groomed trails available in the state, snowmobiling remains primarily an activity enjoyed by residents, who accounted for 93 percent of snowmobiling days in 2013.
read moreNewsletter: March 2015
— Our latest research on county payments, federal coal royalties, Montana's economy and its public lands, and the economic opportunities in the Blackfoot River watershed.
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Unconventional Oil and Gas Revenues to Local Governments
— This report includes seven major energy-producing states and a new interactive adds four more (AR, LA, and PA). The study and interactive compare how local governments receive production tax revenue from unconventional oil and natural gas.
read moreThe Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking at One of Its Meccas: An Application of the Travel Cost Method to Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah
— This study found that the Slickrock Trail, a world-famous mountain bike trail in Moab, Utah, draws a large number of avid users annually, who are willing to travel long distances and spend large sums to reach it. Because access fees are a relatively low portion of overall trip cost, visitation rates are unlikely to change much even if they are increased.
read moreParks and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey: Findings Report
— This study found that while 70 percent of Missoula residents were willing to pay more taxes to acquire open space and build new trails and recreation facilities, still more (77%) were willing to pay more taxes to maintain existing facilities. Eighty-six percent of all residents had used City parks in the previous 12 months, highlighting the importance of within-community trails even in rural areas with public lands nearby.
read moreJackson Hole Trail Project Economic Impact Study
— This study found that locals are the main beneficiary of the Teton County, Wyoming trail system, although visitors are increasingly enjoying area trails outside of Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The economic impact of the trails may be significant, but is difficult to estimate without knowing how many visitors come to the area just for the trail system.
read moreEstimating the Recreation Demand and Economic Value of Mountain Biking in Moab, Utah: An Application of Count Data Models
— This study found that mountain bikers visiting the Moab, Utah trail system spent an average of $282 per trip and visited 2.5 times per year. Rather than a specific trail, as was studied in the Fix and Loomis (1997) Slickrock Trail study, this study evaluated the benefits of the Moab area’s whole mountain bike trail system.
read moreTrails on Tribal Lands in the United States
— This study found that the benefits of trails in Indian Country may be more significant than in other communities that are less culturally or spatially fragmented, less politically and economically marginalized, or less culturally tied to the landscape. Trails can provide particularly valuable benefits to residents of Indian Country, helping to improve residents’ quality of life in several dimensions: connecting tribal members to each other and to culturally significant sites and natural resources; providing safe alternative transportation routes across the reservation; providing opportunities for safe exercise; and providing opportunities for economic development and cultural education.
read moreA Hedonic Travel Cost Analysis for Valuation of Multiple Components of Site Quality: The Recreation Value of Forest Management
— This study found that wilderness trail users are willing to travel farther (and therefore spend more) to reach trails with campgrounds, old-growth forests, and views. Conversely, they avoid trails with long dirt road approaches and clear-cuts visible from the trail.
read moreEstimating Social Welfare Using Count Data Models: An Application to Long-Run Recreation Demand Under Conditions of Endogenous Stratification and Truncation
— This study found that surveys that directly extrapolate the number of times an individual person visits a trail to the general population will significantly overstate the future trail use. Care must be taken to account for the differences between those interviewed at the trailhead and the rest of the population.
read moreWildfire Effects on Hiking and Biking Demand in New Mexico: A Travel Cost Study
— This study found that crown wildfires that cross trails are likely to have a dramatic effect on use and individual benefit for hikers and mountain bikers that persists for decades after the fire occurs. Prescribed fires are also shown to decrease benefits and use for both groups, but these declines occur gradually over decades rather than an immediate drop in the year of a wildfire.
read moreTeton-West Yellowstone Region Backcountry Winter Recreation Economic Impact Analysis
— This study found that participants in backcountry, non-motorized winter recreation generate a substantial economic, employment, and fiscal impact in the Teton-West Yellowstone region. This is the only study we are aware of that assesses the impact of this type of recreation.
read moreEstimating the Benefits and Costs to Mountain Bikers of Changes in Trail Characteristics, Access Fees, and Site Closures: Choice Experiments and Benefits Transfer
— This study found that all mountain bikers, from casual to the most avid, are most likely to ride on trails without hikers or equestrians, and are willing to pay a fee to ride on these trails. While mountain bikers are more likely to use singletrack trails, only the most avid are willing to pay a fee to extend the proportion of a ride that is singletrack.
read moreOutdoor Recreation Net Benefits of Rail-Trails
— This study found that trail users are willing to incur greater expenses and travel further to use rural trails, and spend more time on those trails while they are there, indicating these trails are enjoyed by both locals and non-locals. Urban trails, on the other hand, are mainly a resource for local residents, and are used much more frequently and for shorter periods of times.
read moreCommunity Economic Contributions from Recreational Trails Usage on Public Lands: Implications from a Comprehensive Wyoming Study
— This study found that trail-related recreation on Wyoming’s 10,000 miles of trails, both motorized and non-motorized, generates substantial spending for local businesses and tax revenue for state and local governments. While off-road vehicle (ORV) and snowmobile users generate far more spending in this analysis, the incomplete assessment of non-motorized users makes it difficult to make comparisons of impact between motorized and non-motorized users.
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Haymakers Report: Montana’s Economy, Public Lands, and Competitive Advantage
— This report summarizes Montana’s economy, analyzing how it has grown and what is driving its performance, including a description of how federal lands help attract people, investment, and businesses.
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Chris Mehl
Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Cities, Counties, and National Forest Regions
— A sample of research and free tools available to help communities better understand the potential socioeconomic impacts of climate change.
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Migration & Population Trends in the West Vary by County Type
— County migration and population trends in the West constantly change. We summarize counties into four types--high-wage services, farm-dependent, oil and natural gas boom, and retirement destinations--to show the relationship between population and economic structure.
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Economic Opportunities in the Blackfoot Watershed
— This report provides an overview of the Blackfoot River watershed’s economy and summarizes the findings from six focus groups that explored potential economic opportunities.
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The Tongass Transition Framework: A New Path Forward?
— This report examines whether the Tongass Transition Framework, which proposed a “new path forward,” is working to enhance economic opportunities in southeast Alaska while conserving the National Forest.
read moreNewsletter: December 2014
— Our latest research on migration and population trends in the West, the Tongass Transition Framework, the need for a Natural Resources Trust, and the impact of the federal budget on county payments.
read more
Ben Alexander
Understanding the Recreation Economy on Nearby Public Lands
— How can communities measure and take advantage of the economic impacts of nearby outdoor recreation activities on public lands?
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Chris Mehl
Getting the Economics Right: Communities, National Forests, and Local Development Decisions
— Getting the economics right is important for communities to compete in a modern economy. We've created a number of tools to help rural, western communities better understand current trends as well as the role of the nearby National Forest or other public lands.
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Mark Haggerty
Time for a U.S. Natural Resources Trust?
— Compared to other nations and even U.S. states, the federal government is a conspicuous laggard in creating a natural resources trust which would allow for stable, permanent, and ever rising payments to states and local governments without risks to taxpayers.
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Mark Haggerty
Falling Oil Prices: Good for the U.S. Economy, Bad for Shale Communities?
— Lower oil prices could be great for the economy, but for the communities dependent on drilling, the price drop may prove challenging for several reasons.
read moreNewsletter: November 2014
— Our latest research on reducing wildfire risk to communities, monitoring the impact of fracking on communities, lessons for wildfire from the federal flood programs, and how renewable energy tax benefits vary widely among rural counties.
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Benefits of Renewable Energy in the West Vary Widely
— The West is rich in renewable energy opportunities, but research demonstrates that property tax revenues from this development vary widely across 17 rural study counties due to state tax policies.
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How Is Fracking Shaping Your Community and Economy?
— Monitoring can help local governments better understand the socioeconomic impacts caused by energy development, and support requests to industry and state government for assistance to implement appropriate mitigation.
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Lessons for Wildfire from Federal Flood Risk Management Programs
— This paper reviews the experience of national floodplain management programs to draw lessons for new approaches to reduce the costs and risks posed by wildfire to properties in the Wildland-Urban Interface.
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Megan Lawson, Ph.D.
On Halloween, Many Counties with High Death Rates Still Growing
— It's All Hallow's Eve, so we decided to look at western counties where the dead most recently were living. But a high death rate does not mean a county is faring poorly. Like most things, it’s complicated.
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Megan Lawson, Ph.D.
Baby Boomers Move Near Protected Lands, Help Drive Economies
— Protected federal lands (such as Wilderness or National Parks) not only preserve unique landscapes, but have the potential to attract in-migrants such as baby boomers, which in turn help support a robust local economy.
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Ray Rasker, Ph.D.
Today’s Economy, Political Rhetoric Too Often Don’t Match
— Today's economy is much different than what we hear in the rhetoric from current politicians. We need our leaders to wrestle with current problems rather than old ones.
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Ray Rasker, Ph.D.
Wildfire Budget, Incentives, and Missed Opportunities
— The failure of Congress to pass wildfire disaster funding is a missed opportunity for two reasons: one to stop 'fire borrowing' and second to reduce risks and costs to homeowners and the taxpayer.
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Three Wests Sortable Data
— Review the economic and demographic differences between Metro, Connected and Isolated counties.
read moreNewsletter: July 2014
— Our latest research on National Monuments, commercial activities on National Forests, the economic impact of National Parks, and using an index to target county payments.
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Study Finds No Evidence Firewise Lowers Suppression Costs
— Study finds no evidence of a relationship between wildfire suppression costs and Firewise participation, suggesting policies should focus on other solutions to lower future expenditures, such as preventing development in high risk areas.
read moreNewsletter: April 2014
— Our latest research on Firewise and suppression costs, case studies of how western communities respond to wildfire risk, the economic impact of National Park Service units, and measuring the restoration economy.
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Local Responses to Wildfire Risks Are Limited
— This study reviews how western communities are addressing wildfire risk, how they have responded to recent major fires, and useful lessons and public policy insights for the future.
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The Economic Impacts of Restoration in Central Idaho
— This report provides a way to calculate the economic impacts of natural resource restoration activities to nearby communities that should be helpful to local officials, agency staff, and policy analysts.
read moreNewsletter: March 2014
— Our latest research on the importance of non-labor income in the West, unconventional oil revenues, and free socioeconomic reports with details on every U.S. county.
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Non-Labor Income: Large and Growing in Importance Across the West
— Non-labor income is one of the largest and fastest growing sources of income in the West; constituting 34 percent of total personal income in 2011 and 60 percent of net growth in real personal income during the last decade.
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North Dakota Not Returning Adequate Oil Revenue to Local Governments
— This report compares how North Dakota provides local governments with production tax revenue from unconventional oil extraction compared to other major energy-producing states.
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Wyoming Oil Taxes: Highest Rate, Large Savings Compared to Other States
— This report compares how Wyoming provides local governments with production tax revenue from unconventional fossil fuel extraction compared to other major energy-producing states.
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Local Governmments in New Mexico Receive Lowest Share of Oil Revenue
— This report compares how New Mexico provides local governments with production tax revenue from unconventional fossil fuel extraction compared to other major energy-producing states.
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Colorado Lags Other States in Taxing Oil, Incentives Increase Volatility
— This report compares how Colorado provides local governments with production tax revenue from unconventional fossil fuel extraction compared to other major energy-producing states.
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Montana Oil Tax Policy: No Long-Term Savings, Exposure to Volatility
— This report compares how Montana provides local governments with production tax revenue from unconventional fossil fuel extraction compared to other major energy-producing states.
read moreNewsletter: January 2014
— Our latest research on our Economic Profile System and recent updates.
read moreNewsletter: December 2013
— Our latest research on the economic impact of long-term energy development, an interactive atlas of the West's economy, winners and losers from proposed county payments reforms, North Dakota's oil revenue sharing program, and the economic potential of the Owyhee Canyonlands in Malheur County, Oregon.
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Long-Term Energy Development Has Negative Impacts on Western Counties
— This paper demonstrates that when fossil fuel development plays a prominent, long-term role in local western economies there are negative effects on per capita income, crime rates, and educational attainment.
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Owyhee Canyonlands Hold Economic Potential
— This report provides an initial analysis of the potential economic impact of protecting the Owyhee Canyonlands area in Malheur County, Oregon.
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Montana Home Construction Sortable Data
— Review the different rates of home construction across Montana counties.
read moreNewsletter: Fall 2013
— Our latest research on climate impacts in the Great Lakes region, using tools to determine vulnerability to climate change, understanding income from National Forests, and why state tax policy matters.
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Fiscal Lessons for State and Local Governments
— This report explores the challenges for states and local communities caused by unconventional oil and natural gas development, and fiscal best practices that address them.
read moreNewsletter: June 2013
— Our latest research on the rising cost of wildfires, an interactive atlas on the climate and economy of the Great Northern Landscape region, testimony before the U.S. Senate on county payments, and updated timber cut and sold reports.
read more
The Rising Cost of Wildfire Protection
— This report describes how the protection of homes in the Wildland-Urban Interface has added to wildfire costs and concludes with a discussion of solutions that may help control escalating risks and expenses.
read moreNewsletter: Winter 2013
— Our latest research on the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), an interactive map on how protected public lands impact per capita income, policy on energy transmission, and the economic potential for a new Maine National Park.
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Protected Federal Lands in Non-Metro West Increase Per Capita Income
— Headwaters Economics research and accompanying interactive map show the amount of per capita income explained by protected federal lands for each county in the non-metropolitan western U.S.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Jobs and Higher Incomes
— This report finds that the West’s popular national parks, monuments, wilderness areas and other public lands offer its growing high-tech and services industries a competitive advantage.
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Restoring the Clark Fork River
— Headwaters Economics worked with the Clark Fork Coalition, U.S. Forest Service, and others to create an interactive tool that describes many of the stories behind the ongoing recovery of the Clark Fork River.
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West Is Best Reports: News Release
— News release for report that shows how the western United States is outperforming the rest of the country and the role protected federal lands in providing western states a competitive economic advantage.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Washington Jobs and Higher Incomes
— This fact sheet summarizes Washington's recent economic growth and the role of protected public lands in supporting faster job creation and higher per-capita income.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote New Mexico Jobs and Higher Incomes
— This New Mexico fact sheet summarizes the state's recent economic growth and the role protected public lands play in supporting faster job creation and higher per-capita income.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Nevada Jobs and Higher Incomes
— During the past decade Nevada and the West outperformed the nation, and the competitive advantage offered by its protected lands supported job growth and higher per-capita incomes.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Montana Jobs and Higher Incomes
— Montana's recent economic growth and the role of protected public lands in supporting employment creation and higher per-capita income are explored in this report.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Idaho Jobs and Higher Incomes
— Helped by its high quality of life and protected public lands, Idaho’s economy and population grew rapidly in the past decade. The majority of growth coming from health care and administrative services.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Colorado Jobs and Higher Incomes
— Colorado's rate of population, employment, and real personal income growth has outpaced the nation and this fact sheet looks at the role of protected public lands in supporting jobs and higher incomes.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote California Jobs and Higher Incomes
— This California report is part of a series that analyzes how and why the West is outperforming the nation, and the competitive advantage offered by its protected lands.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Arizona Jobs and Higher Incomes
— This fact sheet summarizes Arizona's recent economic growth and the role of protected public lands in supporting faster job creation and higher per-capita income.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Oregon Jobs and Higher Incomes
— The great majority of Oregon’s net new jobs are from services industries, many of them high-paying. This report looks at the state's economy and the role of protected public lands.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Wyoming Jobs and Higher Incomes
— Wyoming is an economic leader and protected public lands help the state grow and diversify its economy.
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West Is Best: Protected Lands Promote Utah Jobs and Higher Incomes
— Utah has been a national leader in economic growth during the past decade. This report looks at the state's economy and the role of protected public lands.
read moreNewsletter: Fall 2012
— Our latest research on wildfire trends, improved socioeconomic profiles, fiscal and energy policy, and Montana's Rocky Mountain Front.
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Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front
— This report analyzes the Front’s land, people, and economy, how the region has changed in important ways during the past several decades, and the potential impact of the proposed Rocky Mountain Heritage Act on the Front.
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Western Counties and the Recession
— This study provides a number of lessons as the West slowly recovers from the recent recession about why some local economies performed better than others.
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The Proposed SunZia Transmission Line: A Guide for Decision Makers
— This report analyzes the proposed SunZia transmission line, finding that the project, as currently configured, depends on its ability to export renewable energy from New Mexico to markets in Arizona and California.
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Report: New Mexico’s Oil and Natural Gas Industry
— This graphical analysis reviews the status of New Mexico's oil and gas industry including production, drilling activity, and its role in the state's economy.
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Green Jobs Metrics
— This research summary offers an overview of efforts to quantify the national green economy in terms of job creation from several perspectives.
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Report: Colorado’s Oil and Natural Gas Industry
— This graphical analysis reviews the status of Colorado's oil and gas industry including production, drilling activity, tax policy, its role in Colorado’s economy.
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Unconventional Oil and North Dakota Communities: State Fiscal Policy Unprepared for Impacts of Energy Development
— This report analyzes the growing infrastructure and services needs of the Bakken boom and meeting the demands of unconventional energy development.
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Colorado’s Economy and the Role of Federal Protected Lands
— This report summarizes Colorado's economy and the role of federal protected lands, including how the state has performed, and Colorado's ability to attract people, investment, and businesses.
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New Mexico’s Economy and the Role of Federal Protected Lands
— An analysis of New Mexico’s economy and how federal protected lands impact economic performance.
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Implementing Climate Change Adaptation: Lessons Learned From Ten Examples
— This paper presents ten examples of cities and counties around the country and the key lessons learned in the process of moving from planning to implementation on climate change adaptation.
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Report: The Status of Utah’s Oil and Gas Industry
— This graphical analysis shows that Utah's oil and gas industry was recovering at the time of the report.
read moreClean 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.
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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.
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Oregon Home Building, Higher Temperatures Drive Price Tag Ever Higher
— This Headwaters Economics study analyzes the impact of housing and climate on the costs of fighting forest fires in National Forests of Oregon.
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Economists Urge President Obama to Protect Federal Public Lands
— More than 100 economists and academics urged President Obama to create and invest in new federal protected lands such as national parks, wilderness, and monuments.
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Olympic Peninsula Economy and Potential Impact of Draft Wild Olympics Proposal
— Report on the economy of the Olympics Peninsula and impact of the Wild Olympics proposal.
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Preparing Missoula County for a Changing Climate
— A report on socioeconomic conditions of Missoula County as part of public process of developing a climate change adaptation plan.
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Public Lands Ranching in Southern Utah
— A report on public lands ranching in southern Utah.
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Carey, Idaho and Economic Recovery
— This report summarizes interviews with local government and business leaders on obstacles to and opportunities for local economic recovery in Carey, Idaho from the last recession.
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Northern California, Homes, and Cost of Wildfires
— This Headwaters Economics study analyzes the impact of housing and climate on the costs of fighting forest fires in the twelve national forests of the Sierra Nevada.
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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.
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EPS: Getting the Economics Right
— Headwaters Economics has updated the Economic Profile System (EPS) to help decision makers access and analyze large amounts of information about their communities.
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Drilling Rig Activity Nears 20-Year High
— A graphical analysis of oil and natural gas drilling in the United States which now has returned to pre-recession levels.
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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.
read moreNational Monuments: Detailed Reports
— Headwaters Economics created a series of reports on the economic performance of western communities near national monuments.
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Federal Land Payments to Counties: Background Analysis, History, and Context
— Research on the history and context of county payments which play an important role in many rural communities--influencing public lands management, economic development, and funding for local schools, roads, and public safety.
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County Payments, Jobs, and Forest Health
— This post summarizes a newsletter discussing the future of county payments, a White Paper to better to understand how possible reforms, and other research items.
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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.
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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.
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Improving Deschutes County’s Competitiveness
— The report analyzes the economic and fiscal challenges facing Deschutes County and provides recommendations to improve economic prospects.
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Clean Energy Leadership in the Rockies: Competitive Positioning in the Emerging Green Economy
— The Clean Energy report compares how Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming are taking advantage of clean energy and energy efficiency opportunities to create green jobs.
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Oil Shale: 14 Unanswered Questions
— This report summarizes research and policy documents, and provides a brief overview of the status of oil shale development in the U.S. West.
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The Siskiyou Region: Demographic, Economic, and Fiscal Fundamentals
— The Siskiyou region is undergoing a significant economic transition. This report examines the region, counties within the region, and industry-level details.
read moreDevelopment Timeline: Oil Shale Activities in Colorado and Utah
— While a handful of companies reported being active in the field-testing of new technologies in 2009, only one company had announced plans to upscale to a prototype (semi-works scale) facility.
read moreEnergy Development and the Changing Economy of the West-report summary
— This study examines how the West has changed, the rising importance of environmental amenities, and the relative role of energy development in the economy of western states.
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Energy Revenue in the Intermountain West
— This report examines the extent of energy reserves in the U.S. and on western public lands, and their scale in light of domestic production and consumption trends.
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U.S. Energy Needs and the Role of Western Public Lands
— This report discusses the supply-side orientation of U.S. energy policy, and reviews existing data that describe available reserves, pricing structures, and patterns of consumption and demand.
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Fossil Fuel Extraction as a County Economic Development Strategy: Are Energy-Focusing Counties Benefiting?
— This report examines fossil fuel extraction as an economic development strategy for rural Western counties and whether it has benefited counties in the long run.
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Potential Impacts of Energy Development in New Mexico, with a Case Study of Otero County
— This report analyzes the economic and fiscal contribution of the oil and natural gas industries in New Mexico along with a case study of proposed energy development on Otero Mesa.
read morePress Release: Clean Energy in the Rockies Report Released
— Study Shows Which States Are Attracting Jobs, Businesses, and Investment; Five Key Steps to Future Growth
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Clearwater Basin Collaborative
— The Clearwater Basin Collaborative is a diverse group of regional interests working together to craft a plan for the protection, use, and management of National Forest land within the Clearwater Basin in Idaho.
read moreOil Shale Library: Getting Started in Publicly Available Sources
— For those wishing to dig deeper into the current politics and economics of oil shale, Headwaters Economics recommends the following sources.
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The Economic Benefits of Southern New Mexico’s Natural Assets
— This report examines how investments in conservation and restoration provide both an immediate return through employment and revenue and help promote long-term economic growth that extends far beyond tourism.
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Potential Impacts of Energy Development in Montana, with a Case Study of the Powder River Basin
— This report focuses on the economic and fiscal contributions of the oil and natural gas industries in Montana, including a case study of the Powder River Basin.
read moreImpacts of Energy Development in Wyoming, with a Case Study of Sweetwater County
— This report studies the significance of fossil fuel development in Wyoming, with a case study of the energy-focused county of Sweetwater County.
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Sitka, Alaska Workshop
— Headwaters Economics facilitated a day-long workshop on how to apply the Forest Service's new Integrated Resource Management approach on the Sitka Ranger District.
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Fiscal Impact of the Montana Legacy Project
— These studies review the fiscal impact on Mineral and Lake counties of the Montana Legacy Project.
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Ranchland Ownership in Okanogan County, WA
— This report on land ownership and the ranching economy in the Okanogan Valley and Eastern Okanogan County focuses on fragmentation and turnover in large, agricultural properties and the effects of these trends.
read moreImpacts of Energy Development in Colorado, with a Case Study of Mesa and Garfield Counties
— This report explores the significance of fossil fuel energy development for Colorado with a case study of the implications for the West Slope economy.
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Sequoia National Forest Workshops
— Headwaters Economics held a public workshop for the Sequoia National Forest and the public.
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Land Use Effects of Paving Rural Roads
— This report, a first step toward understanding how paving rural roads impacts land use, reviewed eight projects in western Montana
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The Changing Economy of Southeast Alaska
— Headwaters Economics is working with the Tongass Futures Roundtable to better understand Southeast Alaska’s economy.
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High Divide GIS Data
— Headwaters Economics developed historical and forecasted housing data for the High Divide based on county tax assessor records. Download GIS data showing 2013 home counts per Public Land Survey Section.
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Montana Wildfire Cost Study- Technical Report
— This report examines how residential development adds to the costs of fighting wildfires, using Montana as a case study.
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The Economy of the Gila Region
— This report explores the question of whether and how rural, isolated communities can benefit from being gateways to large expanses of public lands.
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Wildfires: Development and Temperature Impact Cost and Safety
— Headwaters Economics has studied wildfires across the West, analyzing how more homes near forests and increasing temperatures will significantly increase future costs and safety risks.
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The Potential Economic Impacts of the Badlands Wilderness in Central Oregon
— This report explores whether and how designation of the Badlands as Wilderness would benefit the communities and economy of Central Oregon, including Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties.
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The Union Pacific Railroad Line, Timber and Southwest Montana
— This report examines the importance of southwest Montana timber to the Union Pacific Railroad line, and the significance of the railroad as a mode of transportation for timber-related manufacturers.
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Timber, Restoration Forestry and Wilderness in Northeast Washington
— This study reviews the possible impacts of the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition's "Blueprint" proposal for managing National Forest lands in the region.
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Santa Fe National Forest Workshop
— The workshop involved the public in developing a new Forest Plan in light of the socioeconomic situation of the area and how it has changed since the last Forest Plan was adopted.
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Communities Threatened by Wildfire, 2000-2014: Sortable Table
— The sortable table identifies frequently threatened towns and cities, including the different sizes and distances of wildfires from nearby communities.
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