The establishment of a Siskiyou Crest National Monument would be a boon to the regional economies of southwest Oregon and northwest California. This region, like much of the West, is moving away from the boom and bust economic cycles of resource extractive industries like logging and mining, and towards more stable, diversified and sustainable economies. In Jackson County the percentage of people’s income based on extractive industries fell from 19.1% in 1969 to just 8.2% in 1997. In Josephine County during the same time period it fell from 17.5% to 4.8%.

Meanwhile, the percentage of income generated by economic activity associated with ‘natural amenities’, things related to activities like tourism, recreation, retirees, and quality of life services, has steadily increased. Again, in Jackson County from 1969 to 1997 the percentage based on ‘natural amenities’ increased from 23.7% to 33.5%, and in Josephine County it grew from 28.1% to 39.9%.

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 very strong. In rural counties during the period 1969-1997, the amount of protected lands within 50 miles of a county’s center is positively and significantly correlated with employment growth and with income growth. Similarly, the amount of Forest Service roadless areas within 50 miles of a county’s center is positively and significantly correlated with employment growth and with income growth. This means counties with, or near, protected lands are more likely to experience stronger economic growth.

--- Historical Economic Performance of Oregon and Western Counties Associated with Roadless and Wilderness Areas Prepared by: Southwick Associates


READ:
Historical Economic Performance
of Oregon and Western Counties
Associated with Roadless and
Wilderness Areas



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