Study finds public land along Rocky Mountain Front is driver of growth

A new report by a Bozeman-based economic analysis firm says that communities along the Rocky Mountain Front have seen slow, steady growth with per-capita income and average earnings per job being 10 to 15 percent greater than elsewhere in Montana. The research paper by Headwaters Economics — which was commissioned by the Coalition to Protect the Rocky Mountain Front — also says future income and job growth can be experienced if residents and businesses take steps to preserve their natural resources. Chris Mehl, policy director for Headwaters, said that with telecommuting capabilities, many people can live just about anywhere they like, and many of those are flocking to areas where public lands create wide, open spaces. He added that as the baby boomers age, more and more are retiring to Western states. “We’re seeing people making location decisions based on the quality of life as well as on jobs,” Mehl said. “We found that higher protection of lands means greater populations and jobs.”...more Every study I've seen by Headwaters Economics reaches the same conclusion. So, all we need to do is make the entire West a federal protected area and per-capita income, job creation and economic growth will be out of sight!

Every study I've seen by Headwaters Economics reaches the same conclusion.  So, all we need to do is make the entire West a federal protected area and per-capita income, job creation and economic growth will be out of sight!  All those private land areas east if the Mississippi will be left in the dust, right?  Yes, I'm sure it will work.  After all, we have historical precedent.  For example, there's the Soviet Union...