The purpose of this study is to help improve understanding of the relationship between economic growth and protection of roadless lands. This was accomplished using historical data regarding the economic experience of individual western and Oregon counties. By looking to the past to see how county economies were affected by the creation of wilderness areas, we gain a better understanding of how future roadless designations might affect Oregon counties. Industries that extract raw materials are stagnating, while industries that benefit from the presence of environmental amenities are growing rapidly. Between 1969 and 1997, the overall Oregon economy created jobs more than two times faster than the state's extractive industries.
Extractive industries play an increasingly small role in income generation.
Retirees are also attracted to areas with recreational opportunities and natural amenities. Additionally, in 1997, retirement payments were 1.7 times greater than all of the income generated by logging, mining, and agriculture combined. Many argue that protecting lands from extractive activities is especially harmful to rural communities. However, when only rural western counties are studied, the relationship between economic growth and protected and Forest Service roadless areas is even stronger. This means counties with, or near, protected lands are more likely to experience stronger economic growth.