Greater than Zero: Toward the Total Economic Value of Alaska's National Forest Wildlands

October 14, 2008

This report examines existing economic data to reveal that the wildlands of Alaska’s Tongass and Chugach National Forests are worth as much as $2 billion annually. Using common economic concepts, methods and techniques the authors estimate the dollar value of social and ecological assets, including commercial salmon fishing, scientific use, recreation and subsistence. Concluding remarks suggest that the Forest Service should adopt a similar approach to valuing wildlands in future policy making and planning.