The timber industry, for example, is leaving the West for the Southeast and foreign countries. Concurrently, technological improvements reduce commodity producers' demand for labor. Independent of Clinton's proposal, the traditional economy of the rural West is doomed. New opportunities in the West are high-tech enterprises and services. These occupations benefit from open space and natural resources.
Data clearly indicates that roadless areas foster economic growth in the New West.
Professionals are increasingly footloose and are drawn to locations rich in environmental amenities. Public comments to the Forest Service have overwhelmingly supported protecting roadless areas. Polls conducted by the Idaho Conservation League show majorities across the West support the initiative. Economically wasteful and ecologically destructive projects, e.g., below-cost timber sales and subsidized irrigation schemes, demonstrate federal irresponsibility. Restricting access and use by assigning roadless designation, however, will reduce such federally sanctioned mischief.