Segment 1: Economics of Wilderness

Malia Bascom talks to county officials across the state about the effects of wilderness on the counties and the idea that wilderness designation brings economic growth to rural communities. It turns out that the issue is more complex than the popular wilderness designation = increase in tourism revenue that is often argued by the pro-wilderness crowd.

Environmental Trends

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Segment 2: Economics of Wilderness: Round Table Pt. 1

Chad Booth discusses "The Economic Costs of Wilderness" with the authors of the report that was recently published in June 2011. Ryan Yonk, a professor of political science at Southern Utah University, Brian Steed and Randy Simmons, from Utah State University Huntsman School of Business. The findings of the report contradict other reports that have indicated a positive effect of wilderness on the economies of rural counties. The discussion covers how they chose the data they would use for the study, and some of the weaknesses of arguments made by previous reports.

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Segment 3: Economics of Wilderness: Round Table Pt. 2

The group discusses the trade offs that are involved any time government takes an action. In the case of wilderness it is important to take into account what is taken off the table when land is set aside as wilderness and protected from any future development into perpetuity. It is suggested that when decisions are made on wilderness designation that the costs are taken into account along with the payoffs. Is there room for another kind of land designation that both protects the land and provides access?

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Segment 4: Economics of Wilderness: Round Table Pt. 3

The "Costs of Wilderness Report" is part of a larger body of work that guests Ryan Yonk, Brian Steed, and Randy Simmons have been involved in. There are questions about the improvement in quality-of-life, effects of the Grand Staircase Escalante Monument, and alternative energy. The discussion wraps up talking about some of the other research that our guests have been involved in.

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