Our latest newsletter contains research on state trust lands in transition, state outdoor recreation economies, wildfire-resistant homes, and more. Subscribe to our newsletter.
The Value of Public Lands
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.
The Value of Montana’s Outdoors
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.
Newsletter: July 2019
Our latest newsletter contains research on the economic importance of public lands, wildfire hazard assessments, and rural resilience. Subscribe to our newsletter.
Community Resilience and the Third West in Transition
In the face of overwhelming transition, local institutions can make a critical difference in rural community resilience.
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.
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.
The Economic Importance of National Monuments to Communities
This 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fiscal Impact of the Montana Legacy Project
These studies review the fiscal impact on Mineral and Lake counties of the Montana Legacy Project.
Sequoia National Forest Workshops
Headwaters Economics held a public workshop for the Sequoia National Forest and the public.