New Report Shows Benefits of Protecting Public Lands to Montana Small Businesses

Public lands are essential to local economies in Montana and are the catalyst to creating new jobs, attracting entrepreneurs and visitors, and boosting consumer spending, according to a new economic report by Small Business Majority. "A Small Business Voice for Public Lands in the West" examines the importance of public lands in Montana, New Mexico, Colorado and California, and provides recommendations policymakers can take to ensure the protection of America's public lands and natural assets.

"Small business owners—who account for nearly half of all private-sector employment in this country—understand the connection between the preservation of public lands and the benefit that brings to their bottom lines," said John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority. "Washington should be focusing on creating new parks, expanding outdoor recreational opportunities and helping protect the public lands that draw in visitors and give an economic boost to their communities."

The report recommends the federal government formally track jobs in the outdoor recreation industry and recommends Congress fully fund and reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, among others. Why? Because protecting national public lands helps sustain small businesses and local communities in Montana and the West. The report found:

• Outdoor recreation contributes to $5.8 billion in consumer spending, 64,000 Montana jobs, $1.5 billion in wages and salaries and $403 million in state and locals revenue.
• A recent poll for Business for Montana's Outdoors found more than 70 percent of businesses in Montana cite public lands as a major factor in their decision to expand or start a business in the state.
• Nearly three-quarters of Montana business owners believe we can protect land and water and have a strong economy with good jobs, and nearly nine in 10 say national parks, forests and wildlife areas are an essential part of Montana's economy.
• More than seven in 10 Montanans participate in outdoor recreation at Montana's 30 million acres of public lands each year, in addition to thousands of tourists who travel from around the world to enjoy the state's natural resources.

"It's clear that outdoor recreation connected to fish and wildlife is vital to our quality of life and to our state's economy," said Jeff Hagener, Director of Montana's Fish, Wildlife, & Parks. "Montanans know the state's economy is tied to the health of fish and wildlife resources that depend on our 30 million acres of public land. Montana's hunters and anglers support hundreds of small businesses drawn here by the beauty and opportunities associated with public lands and easy access to them."

Additional polling from Small Business Majority found small business owners believe protecting public lands would positively impact small business opportunities, local job growth, state economies and more. Nearly two-thirds of small business owners believe designating new national parks and monuments would enhance local jobs and the economy, and a sweeping 90 percent believe public spaces that draw tourists can boost business for local restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and more.

To view the full report, please visit: http://www.smallbusinessmajority.org/small-business-research/public-lands/041615-public-lands-west.php