How has wilderness affected Utah s economy?
In 1986, 3.2 million acres of BLM lands in Utah were set aside to be managed as de facto wilderness. In addition to these formally protected Wilderness Study Areas, 5.9 million additional acres which possess wilderness characteristics exist throughout the southern and western regions of Utah. Despite the extent of protected and unprotected but still pristine areas in southern and western Utah, the economies of rural communities have experienced growth in both total and per capita income. The mineral industries have down-sized as a result of decreased demand for uranium and petroleum products, but the growing service sector has more than made up the difference. In fact, the future of Utah s economy lies in preservation of its wild lands and quality of life, as opposed to promotion of an economy based upon extractive industries. This is thoroughly discussed and substantiated by Dr. Thomas Power in his testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives. This testimony, titled “The Economi
