The Economic Value of ‘Quiet Recreation’ on BLM Lands

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
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Fast Facts About the BLM

What you need to know about the biggest caretaker of your land

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Over 64 million Americans—more than 1 in 6—live within 100 miles of public lands managed by BLM (Bureau of Land Management). These lands provide outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, angling, camping, hiking, boating, climbing, bicycling, photography, wildlife viewing, and many other activities.