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

Public lands are essential to local economies in Colorado 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 Colorado, California, New Mexico, and Montana, 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 that 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 Colorado and the West. The report found:

• At least 65 percent of Colorado residents participate in outdoor recreation each year. Outdoor recreation generates $13.2 billion in consumer spending, $994 million in state and local tax revenue and contributes directly to 125,000 jobs in Colorado and $4.2 billion in wages and salaries.
• Nearly two-thirds of small business owners believe designating new national parks and monuments would enhance local jobs and the economy. Fifty-three percent say it would impact small business opportunities tied to public lands, and more than half believe designating new national parks and monuments would positively impact Colorado's ability to attract and retain entrepreneurs and new businesses.
• A vast 93 percent of small employers feel national parks, forests, monuments and wildlife areas are important to Colorado's economy, and 83 percent agree it's possible to protect land and water, create jobs and maintain a strong economy.
• A sweeping 92 percent of small business owners believe public spaces drawing tourists can boost business for local restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and more. Two-thirds believe allowing more private companies to develop such lands would limit the public's enjoyment of them.

"Protecting public lands is so vital to the outdoor industry because our companies depend on protected places outdoors to support our businesses," said Anna Peterson, Director of Operations and Human Resources at Verde Brand Communications in Durango, Colorado. "The Rocky Mountains are my home; they are my backyard and my playground. I care to know that the candidates I'm casting my ballot for will go to Washington and fight for the lands I care about, the trails I hike on after work, and the mountains I camp on during the weekends."

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