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How does Wilderness affect local economies? |
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Research suggests that wilderness has a positive influence
on local economies, and that counties containing a higher percentage of Wilderness
have higher total income, employment and per capita income growth rates than
counties without wilderness. Businesses move to counties with wilderness because
of the quality of life it offers employees. People want clean air and open
spaces. Wilderness draws recreationalists and tourists who spend disposable
income in local communities. In essence, wilderness amenities provide nearby
communities with a comparative advantage over non-wilderness rural communities
for helping to diversify the economy.
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