Designated wilderness areas on national forests and other federal public lands permanently protect spectacular scenic vistas, high-quality drinking water supplies, cold-water fisheries, the capacity of the land for carbon storage, vital habitat for wildlife, a wide variety of backcountry recreat

This is a report released Sept. 29, 2011 by Southwick Associates that illustrate the more than $1 trillion annual economic value created by recreation, conservation and historic preservation.

Business owners and outfitters from the West reached out to House and Senate leaders to ensure they recognize how important wild lands protection is to the economy.

Every year millions of Americans spend time outdoors. When people visit public lands for camping, hunting, bird watching and other recreation activities, they frequently spend money in local communities on lodging, meals, gear, licenses, and other necessary expenditures.

Rural economies are changing across America. The role of extractive industries like logging and mining has diminished considerably and is being replaced in part by a nature-based economy. And an increasing number of rural communities are confirming that protecting wilderness is good for the environment and their economy.

View the fact sheet by clicking on the link below.