Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Outdoor recreation contributes $394 billion to U.S. economy
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Monday, October 16, 2023
The Molalla River Recreation Area in Oregon. Bureau of Land Management, Flickr ([link removed])
In 2022, outdoor recreation in the forms of fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, boating, and target shooting resulted in an estimated $394 billion ([link removed]) in economic impact, according to a new survey ([link removed]) released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
The survey, which has been conducted every five years since 1955, took into account costs associated with equipment, travel, licenses, and fees. Of the more than 100,000 participants surveyed, 57 percent participated in wildlife watching, 15 percent fished, and 6 percent hunted last year. Combined, these trips equaled a record 14 billion days spent boating, target shooting, and participating in wildlife-associated recreation.
“Time spent in nature is an important part of the human experience and can provide lifelong memories, connections to others, healthy activities, and a sense of rest and healing,” said ([link removed]) USFWS Director Martha Williams. “These numbers demonstrate how important our public lands and wild places are not just for the well-being of people who enjoy them, but as an economic engine that provides thousands of jobs and sustains businesses, economies and communities throughout the nation.”
** Quick hits
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U.S. oil production hits all-time high, conflicting with efforts to cut heat-trapping pollution
Associated Press ([link removed])
Editorial: Antofagasta's end run threatens the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Star Tribune ([link removed])
People from around U.S. gather in Caja del Rio for ringside view to 'ring of fire' eclipse
Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed])
Environmentalists are turning a rugged stretch of California coast into a lab for conservation
Los Angeles Times ([link removed])
In Alaska, a road to metals for clean energy could also cause harm
New York Times ([link removed])
Opinion: Conservation should get equal consideration for BLM lands
Bend Bulletin ([link removed])
Why do some national parks charge an entrance fee?
The Hill ([link removed])
An unromantic message from the Grand Canyon: Stop leaving your love locks
New York Times ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” So we’re part of this incredible tradition that stretches back to the first peoples. Whether you prefer to look at the eclipse or not—some Tribes do not—it’s still part of the continuity of humanity that we all share.”
—Tim Barry, member of the International Planetarium Society, Santa Fe New Mexican ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — L. M. Montgomery
Photo by @GrandTetonNPS ([link removed])
#fallcolors ([link removed]) #MyGrandTeton ([link removed]) #publiclands ([link removed])
Alt Text: Bright autumn foliage lights up the landscape with the snowy Tetons in the distance.
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