Report: Natural “Dividends” for MT Economy
Friday, September 28, 2007
Helena, MT – Natural lands are providing the most dividends for Montanans, according to a new report from The Wilderness Society. The report examined state and federal data on people and jobs and it shows oil, gas and logging, as a portion of personal income, has been on the decline for 30 years, while professional, tourism, and service industries have been on the rise.
Researcher Dr. Jennifer Thacher says the explanation can be found in Montana’s back yard; protected lands and forests.
"People value these areas because they provide hiking access, and the opportunity to see wildlife and vegetation. Although these values are more difficult to calculate, they should be considered when making decisions about the use of natural resources."
Dr. Thacher says there’s still an impression that mining, oil and gas are among the biggest players in Montana’s economy, although government numbers show that’s not the case.
Researcher Dr. Walter Hecox says the statistics should put to rest some myths about the West.
"The Marlboro cowboy economy is a persistent myth perpetuated and exploited by forces seeking subsidized access to the region’s mineral and energy resources, with important consequences for our land, water and air."
The report's critics say state and federal revenue from extractive industries was not properly considered.
The full report is at http://www.wilderness.org.
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