A Synthesis of the Economic Values of Wilderness

Early applications of wilderness economic research demonstrated that the values of natural amenities and commodities produced from natural areas could be measured in commensurate terms. To the surprise of many, the economic values of wilderness protection often exceeded the potential commercial values that might result from resource extraction. Here, the concepts and tools used in the economic analysis of wilderness are described, and the wilderness economic literature is reviewed with a focus on understanding trends in use, value, and economic impacts. Although our review suggests that each of these factors is trending upward, variations in research methods plus large gaps in the literature limit understanding of long-run trends. However, as new data on wilderness use, visitor origins, and spatially referenced features of landscapes are becoming increasingly available, more robust economic analysis of both onsite and offsite wilderness economic values and impacts is now becoming possible.Management and Policy Implications:Economic analysis informs policy decisions within a benefit-cost framework. Although wilderness economics research has generally shown that the economic benefits derived from wilderness activities have increased substantially since the passage of the Wilderness Act 50 years ago, much less is known about the costs of wilderness preservation in terms of foregone jobs and other economic opportunities in wilderness gateway communities. Federal agency planning for existing and potential wilderness areas would benefit from better information on the long-term and recent trends in wilderness use and value. Agency planning for potential wilderness areas would also benefit from a better understanding of the opportunity costs of wilderness preservation. Better information on wilderness value spillovers to nearby gateway communities could also help local planners address emerging trends in rural and exurban economic development.