Defending America’s Public Lands
The Value of Public Lands
From 1970-2014, population, employment, and personal income grew significantly faster on average in western rural counties with the highest share of federal lands compared to counties with the lowest share of federal lands. Per capita income growth was slightly higher.
Looking at counties with protected federal lands from 1970-2014, the growth in population, employment, and personal income was significantly larger on average for rural counties with the highest share of protected federal lands compared to counties with the lowest share of protected federal lands. Per capita income growth was slightly higher. Learn more…