The Economic Value of ‘Quiet Recreation’ on BLM Lands
Note: This analysis was updated on September 7, 2017, to include fact sheet on Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Nonmotorized recreation on the 246 million acres of our nation’s land overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) supports 25,000 jobs and generates $2.8 billion for the U.S. economy, according to the first study focused entirely on the economic contribution of “quiet recreation” visitors on BLM lands.
“Quiet Recreation on BLM-Managed Lands: Economic Contribution 2014” was conducted by the independent firm ECONorthwest and commissioned by The Pew Charitable Trusts. The researchers found that visits to these landscapes in 11 western states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, as well as Alaska—in 2014 generated approximately $1.8 billion in spending in communities within 50 miles of the recreation sites, which circulated through the state and national economies and resulted in $800 million in employees’ salaries, wages, and benefits.
Download the national fact sheet.
Regional fact sheets: |
Royal Gorge, Colorado |
Northwest California |
Cedar City, Utah |
Rock Springs, Wyoming |
State fact sheets: |
||
---|---|---|
Alaska | Arizona | California |
Colorado | Idaho | Montana |
Nevada |
New Mexico | Oregon |
Utah | Washington | Wyoming |
Spotlight on Mental Health
Fast Facts About the BLM
What you need to know about the biggest caretaker of your land
MORE FROM PEW
Explore Pew’s new and improved
Fiscal 50 interactive
Your state's stats are more accessible than ever with our new and improved Fiscal 50 interactive:
- Maps, trends, and customizable charts
- 50-state rankings
- Analysis of what it all means
- Shareable graphics and downloadable data
- Proven fiscal policy strategies
Welcome to the new Fiscal 50
Key changes include:
- State pages that help you keep track of trends in your home state and provide national and regional context.
- Interactive indicator pages with highly customizable and shareable data visualizations.
- A Budget Threads feature that offers Pew’s read on the latest state fiscal news.