Monday, November 15, 2010

Re·store·á·Nation: The Economic Benefits of Restoring the Lands and Waters of our National Parks-- NPCA

This report from the National Parks Conservation Association highlights the need for continuing investments in restoration projects to sustain economies, maintain healthy ecosystems, address climate change, and create American jobs.

The report includes examples from: California, the Great Lakes, Louisiana, Maine, Connecticut, Washington, Colorado, and Arkansas. Click here to view a slide show of report images and projects.

Re·store·á·Nation highlights projects throughout the country that demonstrate economic benefits, including:

• Restoring coastal wetlands in Connecticut was significantly correlated with an average increase in housing values of more than $11,000.
• Implementing a comprehensive Great Lakes restoration strategy could support nearly $50 billion in economic activity in the region.
• Restoring the Elwha River in Olympic National Park is projected to generate 1,200 new jobs in Clallam County, Washington.
• Implementing Florida’s state climate action plan would generate 148,000 jobs over 16 years, including nearly 40,000 jobs restoring and establishing forests.

The report also includes the findings of a recent study that found conserving or restoring land instead of using it for industrial development is correlated with sustained economic growth.

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