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Local Studies

  • Economic Impact of National Parks

    Economic Impact of National Parks

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    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. Read more

  • Montana Losing Open Space

    Montana Losing Open Space

    Patricia Hernandez

    From 2000 to 2021, the number of single-family homes in Montana grew by more than 42 percent, and the popularity of large lots converted 1 million acres of undeveloped land to housing. Read more

  • Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing

    Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing

    Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D.

    The number of western Montana homes in areas with high wildfire hazard has doubled, outpacing development rates in areas with low wildfire hazard. Read more

  • The Value of Montana’s Outdoors

    The Value of Montana’s Outdoors

    Ray Rasker, Ph.D.

    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. Read more

  • Funding Needs for Montana’s Outdoor Heritage

    Funding Needs for Montana’s Outdoor Heritage

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

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

  • How Outdoor Recreation Supports Rural Economic Development

    How Outdoor Recreation Supports Rural Economic Development

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Investing in outdoor recreation is one of several strategies that can help rural communities thrive in a changing economy. Read more

  • Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

    Recreation Counties Attract New Residents and Higher Incomes

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Recreation counties, especially in non-metro places, draw new residents and have higher incomes and faster earnings growth than places without recreation. Read more

  • Bureau of Land Management Socioeconomic Profiles

    Bureau of Land Management Socioeconomic Profiles

    Patricia Hernandez

    Download socioeconomic reports for states and counties near Bureau of Land Management units. Read more

  • Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Economy

    Montana’s Outdoor Recreation Economy

    Ray Rasker, Ph.D.

    A new report highlights the role of Montana’s outdoor recreation economy in spending, jobs, and economic diversification. Read more

  • Economic Diversification and Outdoor Recreation in Bonner County

    Economic Diversification and Outdoor Recreation in Bonner County

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Improving economic diversification and outdoor recreation in Bonner County will bring new spending and jobs to the community. Read more

  • Best Practices for Watersheds and Recreation

    Best Practices for Watersheds and Recreation

    Kelly Pohl

    Best practices for balancing the needs for clean drinking water, recreation, and economic development in municipal watersheds. Read more

  • New Montana Homes Increase Wildfire Risks

    New Montana Homes Increase Wildfire Risks

    Kelly Pohl

    The number of western Montana homes in areas with high wildfire hazard has doubled, outpacing development rates in areas with low wildfire hazard. Read more

  • Gallatin County’s Economy, Growth, and Open Space

    Gallatin County’s Economy, Growth, and Open Space

    Ray Rasker, Ph.D.

    This report summarizes Gallatin County’s economy, how it has grown, and what is driving its performance. The report also describes how growth threatens open space and the role these lands play in local quality of life. Read more

  • Measuring Whitefish Trail Use

    Measuring Whitefish Trail Use

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Outdoor recreation and the economic impact of Whitefish Trail use in Whitefish, Montana. Read more

  • Montana Losing Open Space: Sortable Data

    Montana Losing Open Space: Sortable Data

    Patricia Hernandez

    Review the different rates of home construction and loss of open space across Montana counties. Read more

  • Economic Challenges and Opportunities in Taos County

    Economic Challenges and Opportunities in Taos County

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    The economic challenges and opportunities in Taos County stem from being both a bustling mountain resort town, and a rural community facing long-term socioeconomic challenges. Read more

  • Great Lakes Cities Vulnerability Assessment Tool

    Great Lakes Cities Vulnerability Assessment Tool

    Patricia Hernandez

    Identify neighborhoods in six Great Lakes cities that meet socioeconomic vulnerability criteria. Read more

  • Lessons from the Timber Transition

    Lessons from the Timber Transition

    Ray Rasker, Ph.D.

    Western counties once dependent on timber today perform similarly to like-sized counties. Three case studies outline economic lessons from counties that weathered the timber transition. Read more

  • Youth Migration in the West

    Youth Migration in the West

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    Western counties are experiencing a wide disparity in youth migration. While some are attracting and keeping young adults and families, others are struggling. Read more

  • Know Your Economy: Tools for Every Community

    Know Your Economy: Tools for Every Community

    Chris Mehl

    Understanding your local economy and how it compares to peers is a crucial part of community and economic development. Read more

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