USDA: Recreation and Tourism Linked to Economic Success in MT
Monday, September 29, 2008
Helena, MT – More room to play equals a stronger Montana economy. That's the conclusion of a new U.S.Department of Agriculture study that links recreation and tourism with jobs in Big Sky Country's rural areas. Economist Joe Kerkvliet with The Wilderness Society, says additional information gathered by TWS focuses on how many Montanans participate in outdoor recreation, as well as how much money hunting, fishing and wildlife watching bring into the state from non-residents.
The grand total for Montana is $2.5 billion a year. Kerkvleit says the big bucks flow because of the state’s open spaces, mountains, rivers, wildlife and fisheries, all of which attract people.
"Out-of-staters come here to visit Montana's outdoor recreation spots, such as Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. That makes a huge contribution to Montana's economy."
The USDA study shows recreation and tourism are linked to higher employment, earnings and income levels.
Kerkvliet says while logging, drilling and mining are also ways people earn their living from the state's land, all of this new research helps connect the economic dots of other land values.
"Alternative uses, like outdoor recreation and tourism, return money to the economy that's just as 'real,' although it's a little more indirect."
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