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.
Economic Development
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.
Press Release: Clean Energy in the Rockies Report Released
Study Shows Which States Are Attracting Jobs, Businesses, and Investment; Five Key Steps to Future Growth
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.
Oil 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.
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.
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.
Impacts 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.
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.
Fiscal Impact of the Montana Legacy Project
These studies review the fiscal impact on Mineral and Lake counties of the Montana Legacy Project.
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.
Impacts 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.
Sequoia National Forest Workshops
Headwaters Economics held a public workshop for the Sequoia National Forest and the public.
The Changing Economy of Southeast Alaska
Headwaters Economics is working with the Tongass Futures Roundtable to better understand Southeast Alaska’s economy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.