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9/18/2005
The Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, SD) - Protected lands benefit economies
- Daniel S. Licht

We South Dakotans are blessed. Our small population is conducive to open and cordial conversation. Our civic-minded media inform and educate us. And we have ready access to lawmakers and their knowledgeable staff. This generally allows for honest and thoughtful discussion of public policy.

Unfortunately, in some cases misconceptions and falsehoods prevail, lowering public discourse and confusing analysis. At worst, they may drive people toward antagonistic positions when common ground is easily within reach.

Consider the misconceptions regarding the preservation of South Dakota's wild places and unique natural resources. One common misperception is that wilderness designation hinders economic growth. To the contrary, numerous empirical studies clearly have shown that wilderness designation and natural resource protection actually promote healthy and growing local economies. This correlation is manifesting itself repeatedly throughout the western U.S.

At a recent symposium in Rapid City, Thomas Power (chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Montana) stated that "protected landscapes such as wilderness, where commercial activities are limited to protect natural area values, do not lock up resources and impoverish areas; rather, they protect natural resources that are crucial to long-term economic vitality."

Economic studies by Power and others clearly demonstrate that protecting wildlands actually encourages population growth because people move to live near wild areas and the amenities they provide. Likewise, businesses often locate in areas with high recreation values, as these are amenities today's workforce is demanding. This means new money to a region, stimulating local businesses and economies. Protected areas also promote economic growth and stability via increased tourism.

While traditional South Dakota industries stagnate and even decline, tourism and outdoor-based recreation continue to flourish. For example, hunters spend $194 million annually in South Dakota, and the wildlife crowd (hikers, birdwatchers, etc.) spends another $92 million.

Another falsehood about wildlands protection is that designating existing public lands as wilderness will eliminate commercial uses, such as grazing. That simply is not the case. The 1964 Wilderness Act explicitly and unambiguously allows for established grazing to continue on such areas.

Of course protection of South Dakota's prairies and open spaces goes well beyond simple economics. Such areas are what connect our past to our future. They are a bequest to our children and our grandchildren. And for us they provide the contrast and serenity that we need from our hectic, noisy lives.

A diverse South Dakota landscape that includes both wilderness areas and agrarian uses is in the best interest of all South Dakotans. That's why conservationists, local ranchers, hunters, and business leaders support the proposed wilderness areas in southwest South Dakota. They know the facts.

Hopefully our lawmakers will do their homework, as well. If they do, they soon will realize that South Dakotans love the outdoors and support prairie conservation (based on a 2001 study by the Game, Fish and Parks Department). They also will realize that wilderness designation actually promotes economic health, and that a diverse South Dakota economy is a healthy and sustainable economy.

Dan Licht, 45, is the author of "Ecology and Economics of the Great Plains" and works as an employee of the National Park Service. He lives in Rapid City.