How national wildlife refuge payments–especially important to rural counties–could be reformed and funded.
Public Lands
Reforming Wildlife Refuge Payments
How county governments can benefit from reforming wildlife refuge payments.
LWCF Rewards Republican Congressional Districts
Many Congressional Districts benefit from LWCF, and Republican Districts have seen disproportionate LWCF investment for federal land acquisition.
Land and Water Conservation Fund, 2011-2014
A graphical and data analysis of LWCF program benefits for every state.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.